Making a Life Not a Living

Halloween Tail

2011-11-05T10:22:00.001-07:00

This year my daughter wanted to be a "Blue Mermaid." As I looked at what was available in the stores I quickly realized that I was going to need to create a costume. And when I thought about it, when I was a kid we almost never had a store bought costume. Our costumes were always put together with things we had on hand at our house or in our parents closets. And that made the process more creative and fun to find what you could make up. For example, one year my brother was a devil chef and I was a geisha by using my mom's silk robe and painting my face.

I looked around the house and found some shells that we had collected at Crane Beach over the summer and used those to make a necklace with some old ribbon and gems off of broken barrettes. When it came to the tail I was stumped. Then I realized I was going to have to sew which absolutely frightened me!

Well I was blessed when I came across a great blog by a creative mom who had a tutorial for how to sew a mermaid tail. Perfect, I was saved! So I pulled out the sewing machine that had not been touched in over five years and with some assistance from my mom and my husband (who had six sisters and knew more than I realized about sewing) I got the tail done.

My daughter came in the next morning after seeing the finished costume and was so happy and thankful. It made it so fulfilling to see how excited she was about having a costume made by mommy that I am up for the challenge again next year!

The tutorial for the mermaid tail can be found here on Living the Creative Life.

And now the results....my little blue mermaid.

Pleasures of Autumn

2011-11-05T09:40:00.000-07:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." -Albert Camus

Apple picking is an annual ritual for many families including ours. It is our time to connect with the beauty and life around us. It is a great opportunity for us to learn where some of our food comes from and how it grows and how we can use it. And the learning continues in the kitchen with pie making, juice making, sauce making, and lots of munching in between. This fall we enjoyed a warm, almost like summer, day to venture out in Keene, NH to gather our bounty.

It's Time To Celebrate!

2011-07-06T20:13:00.002-07:00

I am superbly blessed to have my birthday fall near a major national holiday. People are primed and ready to be in a celebratory mood. There is always a party to be found the week of my birthday, and the holiday just amplifies any festivity surrounding that day. The past week of celebration has me in wonder and amazement at the human practice of party and holiday making. What is it that makes us in every culture and continent create holidays and events of celebration at seemingly regularly timed intervals?

I think the main reason is connection. Celebration allows us to be connected to each other whether in a small setting of a romantic dinner for two or a massive group at a world series game. It gives us permission to look and see others and acknowledge a commonality. I can be in a stadium full of cheering fans and know that we are there for the same love of the game no matter how different we may be otherwise, no matter how insignificant we may seem to each other outside the stadium...in that moment of cheer we are completely significant to one another and feel significant ourselves as we are part of something. We want so desperately to be connected, to be part of something together. So, I believe we create these experiences of celebration to remind our conscious what our subconscious already knows. We are connected, we are all one.

I also could not help but take notice with all the firework displays that light connects us as well. I had a hard time thinking of a holiday or special event that does not use light in some way to enhance the experience. Birthday candles, Christmas tree lights, Jack-O-Lanterns, fireworks, disco balls, and even glow sticks! And it is amazing to me as well that even with the invention of the light bulb and electricity we still use candles in every household on a fairly regular basis. If their glow was not so deeply important to us we would not be using them in our modern day. Candles have been lighting our way and connecting us spiritually for centuries. We use them for romance, remembrance, and reflection.

I am inspired to make more use of candles now as it seems to be something so important to keep us centered and connected. I am also superbly blessed to know some amazing friends in Hawaii who have created an amazing line of soy candles. The candles from Bubble Shack Hawaii come in coconut shells and poi bowls with scents unique to the island life. And for those moments when a romantic connection is in order these candles also can be used as massage oil! So get connected and get your glow on! And maybe one day the world can be one big celebration all day, every day, with everyone!

Be Still

2011-06-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

I was lucky in my youth to have been exposed to meditation and visualization. There has always been periods in my life in which I spent more time focusing on my meditation practice, and periods in which I set it aside. However, it was always in the back of my mind and drawn upon when most needed, and I could always intuitively know when I needed to resume or deepen my practice.

I remember when my mother introduced me to meditation and got me a zafu.
I remember her setting up an altar in her room that usually had crystals, singing bowls, pictures of teachers, flowers, incense, and candles. At school I was also exposed to visualization and guided meditation (I went to The Well School). This was the first time I had been taught about white light, and seeing in my mind's eye that I could envelope myself, others, and the world in this healing and powerful light. When first learning these concepts & techniques I was about nine or ten years old. I feel blessed with this, and realize it had a very positive impact on my life and my ability to cope and find peace in any hardships.

Now I have the opportunity to teach these powerful techniques to my daughter and other children. This makes me feel immensly blessed. Even if a child doesn't put meditation into a daily practice right away, just exposing them to it and planting the seed gives them the opportunity to nurture and grow that in the future. And maybe five, ten, or even twenty years later they could have an ah-ha moment and draw on their learnings and develop a practice.

My daughter practicing meditation

In America especially, we are always doing, doing, doing. Doing dishes, doing laundry, running errands, doing work, going here, going there, etc. Always on the go and doing, and many times kids even more so since they are so often overscheduled with school and activity after activity. We often forget to stop sometimes and just BE. And our children learn most from us, so if we are not stopping to simply be they won't either. However, if we can even just for five minutes just sit and breathe deeply and teach them too, imagine how this can empower not only their future but also their present! I feel so grateful that my mother and teachers shared this with me, and I in turn get to share meditation with my daughter and other children.

Here are some tips that have helped me to keep my meditation practice going:
1. Practicing in the early morning or in the evening before bedtime. It has especially helped me to practice at about the same time each day.
2. Creating a soothing space in which to meditate away from major distractions.
3. Having something to focus on such as a candle, a word, or an image.
4. I also often will use cd's with relaxing music or nature sounds such as rain or ocean waves.
5. And having my daughter see me meditating or have her do it with me, if she is doing it she is more likely to want to learn more about it and she is also less likely to be a distraction!

For more information here are some great resources:
http://www.shambhala.org/
http://www.kurukulla.org/
http://www.chopra.com/
http://zenhabits.net/meditation-for-beginners-20-practical-tips-for-quieting-the-mind/

Spring Sorrel

2011-05-22T19:24:00.001-07:00

A brief break in the rainy weather allowed us to finally work on our one little raised bed in the front of our apartment. I am a novice gardener with limited space for experimentation as a city dweller. This time of year always finds me having garden and yard envy. Although I am grateful for my little patch of dirt which has recently yielded some surprises. Some of the surprises popping up are a patch of cilantro, some garlic chives, and my newly discovered love; sorrel. My husband and I thought it was a weed at first, then it rained so we waited to pull it up, and then his brother luckily stopped us and told us what it was. Sorrel has long broad leaves which have a bitter lemon like flavor, and they are commonly added to soups and salads.

My mother has been visiting and not only helped me spruce up my little dirt patch, but also helped me discover an amazing and delicious use for sorrel. Here is the soup recipe that she created. This would pair perfectly with some white wine and a fresh baguette.

Mom's Spring Sorrel Soup
1 chopped leak
4-6 tbsp butter
5 cups fresh packed French sorrel leaves, spines removed
1-2 tbsp flour
4 cups organic culinary chicken stock
1/2 - 3/4 cups light cream
black pepper and kosher or sea salt to taste
Optional: cook Yukon Gold potatoes and add to the soup

In stock pot saute leak in butter slowly until translucent, add sorrel and stir quickly until wilted.
Sprinkle with a little flour then add a little stock slowly and cook to thicken stock with the flour for a few minutes.
Slowly add the rest of stock and stir in cream, being careful not to curdle it in stock. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve hot or cold.

"the light music of her nimble toes
Patting against the sorrel as she goes.
How she would start, and blush,
thus to be caught
Playing in all her innocence of thought."
-John Keats

May Flowers

2011-05-03T06:24:00.001-07:00

Flowers are in full bloom, and it is a wonderful expression of the Spring season. I feel flowers are very good at speaking for themselves, there is not much to say about them. Sit in quiet stillness and enjoy their beauty. Here are a few of my favorite famous paintings or photos of flowers to celebrate May's splendor.

Tax Relief

2011-04-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been on hiatus for a bit due to getting taxes done and being out of town. It's good to be back and in flow again with my normal routine. I had the pleasure of visiting our great capital, Washington D.C., during the Cherry Blossom Festival. I love D.C., despite having to feverishly labor every year to complete those dreaded tax forms. I am not getting into a political discussion about taxes here, all in all, I think taxes do a great service to our communities and our country. Visiting D.C. reminded me how blessed I feel to be a part of this country. It is beautiful, and was founded and built around classical ideals of harmony, beauty, proportion, balance, synergy, and simplicity.
All of these ideals and values are mirrored in the capital's design. I like to think of our founding fathers as great patrons of a modern (at the time) art movement, Neoclassicism. It is very clear that they thought about art and incorporated it into the identity of the new nation. Imagine if they had chosen to use a more Puritan style or even a Rococo style. It is interesting to think how our country might have become something completely different simply because of the style and influence of the art they chose. Clearly, art made a difference!

One form of art that is continually supported by our government (and governments around the globe) is money. How can money not come up when dealing with taxes? It's inevitable...but have you really looked at money lately? I think most of us are so used to seeing it pass in and out of our hands that we don't really take note (pun definitely intended) of what is on it. We all know it's green, but have you admired the symmetry or fine detail of the portraits? Money makes fine art accessible to everyone everyday. Money also brings up the issue of the value of art. So much artistry goes into making a one dollar bill. So is that art worth only one dollar? I guess if it is reprinted so many times it lowers the value. But, geese, how many reprints of Monet's water lilies have you seen? Too many!! Yet you still pay at least ten dollars for a poster. One artist who brilliantly illustrates money and the value of art is J.S.G. Boggs. He draws out the notes by hand and then uses them in transactions for goods and even receives change back. Having been inspired by him back when I was in college I attempted to do this for a meal in Chinatown using a note I had created on the computer with my husband, then boyfriend, on it. I think they only agreed because my husband was with me and they knew him well, and who knows, he may have gone back in after and paid! Regardless, I never looked at money the same way and I came to value it as art. Another artist who questions the value of money by defacing and cutting it up is Scott Campbell. His creations are absolutely breathtaking, and risk taking considering you can get up to six months for defacing U.S. currency. Money and art seem like star crossed lovers...they are meant to be together and are well suited for each other yet the world is shocked and troubled when they are so closely linked.

J.S.G. Boggs $500 note.

Another Boggs note as always infused with humor.

My money art deal in Chinatown.

Back of Chinatown note.

Scott Campbell piece, death & taxes never looked so good.

Mary bill from Scott Campbell.

Monet's Water Lilies...in case you hadn't seen it a million times already.

How To Make A Life - Part I M.O.M., Master of Making

2011-04-03T09:21:00.002-07:00

Mothers often end up putting their passions on hold, and self-sacrifice becomes part of the identity of motherhood. It is easy to get lost in "being a mom," and soon you wake up and you've forgotten what really made you a vibrant woman who made a life versus the autopilot of making a living day to day and month to month. To help empower and awaken all the moms out there to follow and open their hearts and passions I will be introducing women who embody the idea of MAKING A LIFE NOT A LIVING. These are women who are moms (or masters of making), passionate risk-takers, playmakers, and entrepreneurs. They are women who embrace motherhood while also embracing themselves and make an art of balancing it all.

Recently I discovered a local mom from Charlestown, Doreen Hing of Plank Designs, who manages to embody the MAKING A LIFE ideal with style and most importantly humor. The importance of humor and the ability to evoke a smile is often not recognized enough. It is when we laugh and smile that making a life happens with ease and joy, and we are uplifted from the drudgery of making a mere living.

Plank Designs puts a much-needed smile in the all too often serious practice of yoga. Imagine being in high push up or plank pose, curling your toes and pushing back into downward dog, and as you look back at your toes there's the leftover of your muffin! How could one not emit a small chuckle at that? And the more you plank it the more you will be reminded of that missing muffin top. I think Doreen has really hit on something important in yoga, and as well in life. It is so easy to enclose things in a box and confine, conform, and define them. Yoga, and motherhood for that matter, needs to be stretched outside of the confines of their prescribed identities. Yoga does not need to be practiced on a wood or cork floor, surrounded by muted zen green toned walls, on a plain uninspired mat, and to calm meditative music. In fact, these are all modern adaptations to the art of yoga. Plank Designs quirky mats remind us that yoga can be funny, lively, and unexpected. The yogis of long ago threw down deerskin hides out in the open air and sported loincloths instead of hot yoga shorts. Imagine a yogi like that entering a class in your local studio! Oh the shock! Definitely not in the confines of the modern idea of what yoga is expected to be, yet it is the very beginning and root of the yogi. Well, Doreen Hing of Plank Designs has shocked and shattered the box of what a yoga mat is expected to be. And thank Buddha's smiling face for that!

I would love to throw this down in a yoga class and see what reactions it would cause!

An original yogi donning the precursor to the modern day hot yoga shorts.

Missing that muffin top yet?

I was able to ask Doreen Hing a few questions about how she is MAKING A LIFE NOT A LIVING, and about how she is stretching the confines of motherhood, yoga, and becoming a master of making. Here are some inspired answers and instructions on how to make a life from our first featured Master Of Making.

How did Plank Designs go from inspiration to creation? What inspired you to launch your business?
Originally Plank was launched out of frustration with the yoga products in the market place, typically launched by very yogi-loving and endearing people whose sense of design and art was very ubiquitous and were all different variations of the OM sign in different colors. For an industry that champions creativity and freedom, for an outsider it all looked like they took to heart the metaphor of Oneness and everything in yoga looks the same.

What was your biggest obstacle? And who or what was your biggest support?
Finding a manufacturer that could not only print gallery quality Art on yoga mats, Plank's concept also required securing images and providing the necessary grip for a yoga practice. Once I found the right partners for production, my next biggest obstacle was dealing with the factory fire that destroyed our first production run and the impact of that for my company both emotionally and financially for my family and especially on myself and questioning my abilities and reasons for persevering with what had now become a passion. What was my real support during the last 2 years, after the fire was the Life Coaching programs that I was introduced to through Coaching Connection to Royal Victory Coaching to Landmark Education. Without their coaching and their ability to empower to tangibly take on areas of my life that I thought were impossible to overcome I would not have been able to take the actions needed to move Plank forward.

What advice can you tell other moms about how to balance family life and follow personal dreams as well?
When I verbalized the reason why I follow my personal dream is because of my children, especially my daughter, I want to be a role model they can truly respect, so that when I tell them to follow their dreams, they can do anything they want, they won't see their mother as someone who gave up.
When it comes to balancing family life with the business, I encourage my children from an early age to be independent and for them to be involved in the business, inclusive of knowing that this is something that I love to do, it's not a job.

What kinds of compromises did you need to make as a parent that a non parent would not have had to?
Compromises, a parent not only has a significant other to negotiate, however planning a schedule especially inclusive of travel or late nights is very much as an individual even though there is a couple partnership. The other compromise once the children arrive is there seems to be some unwritten law that as the wife and mother, the household chores, the schooling, feeding, clothing, etc...is the wife's job on top of the career or business. If the business is in its infancy, extra hours aren't allowed as typically a women's passion/entrepreneurial business is often seen as "a hobby." When the tables are turned the unwritten rule is such that the man of the house with his own business is allowed to work, travel, spend as much time in the office, as his sacrifice to the family. When there are no children involved, both individuals can follow their goals with relative ease.

So, here I am typing with a squirming 2 1/2 year old in my lap drawing over my notes, and I am looking to Doreen as a role model too that I can also create and have a voice while being present to the role of mom. Every mom is a master in some way, every mom has a perspective to share, and every child needs a positive role model. As Doreen says, "A happy mother equals a happy family, wherever they are living or whatever she is doing." To all the moms and all the yogis: cultivate happiness, embrace the unexpected, smile and soon you will be MAKING A LIFE too.

Thank you for the SMILE!

Trash Talk

2011-03-27T21:37:00.000-07:00

So the massive amounts of snow from this winter are now a long fading memory. However, I am confronted with the memory of it everyday as the uncovered trash blows through the streets and parks much like the plastic bag scene from American Beauty. Except it is hard to find beauty here. I am currently in the midst of planning an Earth Day cleanup in our community, and it has me seeing trash, thinking trash, and talking trash.

I think artists have had a long time tradition of using trash in art. Artists are often able to find beauty in it or use it to exploit human waste. There is the potential to display something ugly as eye catching and beautiful. There is also the potential to display the truth of trash, and that really is ugly.

Trash people by H A Schult

"We produce trash, are born from trash, and will turn back into trash." -H A Schult

Trash projects unexpected image, by Tim Noble & Sue Webster

The beauty of trash as captured by Bernard Pras

Having fun with trash

Seeking Greener Pastures

2011-03-13T13:21:00.003-07:00

With the Spring Equinox and St. Patrick's Day just around the corner it's hard not to bring to mind the color of green. While March can be a changeable and fickle month, at least in New England, there are moments between grey skies and muddy brown roads that we get glimpses of the lush green landscape to come. Spring heralds a time of renewal and rebirth, and for many of us a time to clean, re-organize, and re-decorate. What better color to welcome Spring than green? And with using these rooms for inspiration I promise your friends will be green with envy!

Mixing several different shades creates a harmonious effect.

Experiment with mixing patterns in different shades of green.

Mix with bold shapes, warm wood tones, and whites for a modern feel.

I love the creative use of wallpaper here.

I would love to curl up with a good book in this room!

A single large piece can make a great statement, and keep refreshing decor simple.

Good lighting creates a warm feeling amidst cool colors.

A bright color choice for walls makes a striking visual impact.

Muted green tones keep modern shapes soothing and serene.

Use green as an accent color for trim. What a refreshing idea!

Classic shapes contrasted with bold colors create a room to remember.

Feeling romantic

2011-03-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

The other night I became enamoured with the film Bright Star (2009) by Jane Campion. I am usually not the romantic type, and not the type to be found reading sonnets and poems. This film, however, will convert even the most die hard rationalist. It really is a thing of beauty, and has me running to my local library to brush up on English romantic poetry, John Keats specifically.

“

"I see a lilly on thy brow,

With anguish moist and fever dew;

And on thy cheek a fading rose

Fast withereth too.

I met a lady in the meads

Full beautiful, a faery's child;

Her hair was long, her foot was light,

And her eyes were wild.”

A calligraphy piece that I made for my husband when we got engaged ten years ago.

I guess I'm a closet romantic afterall.

“A thing of beauty is a joy forever; its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness”

A rainy morning treat

2011-02-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

We have had many rainy and snowy mornings here in New England this season. It's easy to get caught up in complaining about the weather, shoveling, the dropping temps, and road conditions. Well, there is another option to making a morning memorable, cozy, and heart warming. Here is my cure to making those mornings part of living a life of enjoyment with bragging rights instead of constant streams of complaints.

Dutch Apple Pan Cake
1 cup milk
1 cup flour
1 tblsp sugar
4 eggs
2 apples cored and sliced
1tblsp butter

Preheat oven to 400
Saute apples in butter over medium heat in cast iron skillet
Whisk together milk, flour, sugar and eggs and pour batter over apples
Place skillet in oven at 400 for 20 minutes, then lower heat to 350 and bake another 20 minutes
Serve with maple syrup (the real kind). I have fallen in love with this beautiful hand blown glass pitcher from Jamestown Glasshouse that I use for maple syrup, the opening is in the shape of a heart.And of course, coffee is always a good complement. We make our coffee with sweetened condensed milk, Vietnamese style, our favorite brand is Longevity. My daughter and husband love this breakfast treat and it has become a regular staple to beating those rainy or snowy morning blahs. I hope it adds a little sunshine to your morning.

A dozen roses

2011-02-20T06:52:00.001-07:00

As St. Valentine's day passes and we all have sugar heart hangovers and are tossing out wilted roses I thought it would be nice to share something lasting. Here are a dozen beautiful roses for an everlasting Valentine. These illuminated windows are a signature element of gothic cathedrals and were meant to inspire awe and bring us closer to the divine. I think they do just that. Much love and beauty.

Check out this blog which has a really inspired interpretation of the rose window done by children. This would be a cool project to do for anyone on your Valentine's list and skip the candy and roses next year.

Picture Portrait

2011-02-12T09:29:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite subjects is Art History. I love general history as well, yet somehow through the lense of art a time, period, people, event, or culture seems more tangible and approachable. I love how, for example, I can study Renaissance painting and architecture and it leads to understanding the values and culture of that time. The laws, beliefs, customs, social structure, etc are all told through the art. For example, looking at Greek art and architecture tells us of the importance of symmetry, order, ceremony, and practical innovation. Or how, for example, the art of the 1960's tells us of change, upheaval of tradition, and new perspectives.

So lately I've been thinking about how through art the essence of a time is coveyed. And also how this happens with telling through pictures the essence of a person. It often happens to me that I will look at an image and it will instantly bring to mind someone specific. I'm guessing we all do this naturally on some level. Probably more commonly with fashion. We look at a pair of shoes and think, "Oh, that is so Judy's style." Somehow that art object (yes, shoes are art!) identifiable and linked to Judy's persona, being, essence, whatever you want to call it. Those shoes become just as much an image of Judy as Judy herself. And so through art, everyday we identify ourselves and express ourselves.

So here I wanted to share a series of images that I will forever and always identify as my sister, Rachael. When I see these pictures it is as though I see a window into who she is. This is my picture portrait of my beautiful, romantic, intuitive, powerful, and graceful sister.

Raise The Red Lantern

2011-02-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

With the festivities and celebration of the Chinese New Year I find this to be an auspicious and appropriate time to begin ownership with this blog. I never traditionally celebrated this holiday until I met my husband who is asian. For me, it is a deeply mysterious and beautiful celebration to witness, and a very special time of year.

Reds and golds dominate the decor of shops and homes. Amidst the smoke from incense and firecrackers emerge the mythical animals calling forth new energy and dispelling the evil spirits of the past year. Drums beat in a low, primal rythym. Pink and yellow blossoms welcome thoughts of the coming Spring. Children are celebrated and cherished as they receive red envelopes. Lanterns hang overhead setting the sky ablaze.

As with many celebrations this time of year, across many cultures, light becomes a center point. Light becomes a way to convey the essence of spirit, the energy of life, and the universal power that unites us all. In honor of the New Year I share with you my fascination with the lights, lanterns, and beauty of this holiday.

Transferring Ownership

2011-02-01T15:16:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

If you've noticed the new profile information and other updated pages, you may have already started to wonder what's going on around here!?!

Well, I've been taking a lot of time to recently evaluate my priorities and most importantly figure out how to create more balance in my life. For the past 4 years I've often felt like I do little else other than work or spend time on work related projects; even though I love what I do something's gotta give.

And so I've decided to skim back on certain things in order to hone in and really dedicated my time to other ventures. I know in today's world we (especially as women) are often told that we can do it all but I've discovered that, that is not exactly true. It is possible to do it all, but not possible to do it all happily.

Creatively and in business I want to focus more of my energy on my Photography, Paperie, and Shivaya Group; and so I need to cut out a few things that are pulling me away from that.

I am also about to move back east to be closer to my family and many life long friends and I really want to actually have time to spend with them without feeling guilty about all the work that is being left undone.

Letting go of this blog was a tough decision to make because I really loved doing it but as you've all noticed the blogs have been few and far between recently and that is because I simply have not had the time. I suppose I could have just deleted it all together but I really didn't want to do that. I love this blog and would have been sad to hit the delete button; so about a month ago I started reaching out to some of the creative, like-minded folks in my life to see if any of them would be interested in taking it over and I'm happy to say that my number one choice said YES!!!

I just know my regular readers are just going to love Anna and I am sure she is going to gain many new readers of her own. Anna, is wife, mother, artist and yogini; she is one of the kindest, gentlest people I've ever met. For sometime now Anna has expressed to me her desire to reignite her creativity which has been laying latent inside of her the past few years so when I brought the idea of taking the blog over she and I both saw this as the beginning spark to this creative re-birthing process.

I will be following this blog regularly, I've already added it to my Google Reader because I can't wait to see what Anna does with it and read about all of her creative adventures!

Much Love and Grace to all of you!
Shayla McCalllum

Feel free to visit any of the following sites if you'd like to stay in touch or stay up to date on what's going on with me. :)
http://www.shaylamccallum.com/
http://www.shaylamccallumphotography.com/
http://www.todayandalwayspaperie.com/
http://www.shivayagroup.com/
http://www.achristianyoginisblog.com/

An Object of Beauty

2010-12-20T20:50:00.002-07:00

I'm and avide reader, for me there's no better way to unwind from a long day working on my computer than to curl-up in bed with a cup of tea (or coccoa) and a good book. :)

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Steve Martin's new novel An Object of Beauty. Since Shop Girl is one of my favorite books and movies so I'm pretty excited to add this book to my reading list. And I was even more excited when I saw the fabulous cover design by the brilliant Darren Booth. Working under the creative direction of Anne Twomey, Darren set out to create a bold typographic solution that references fine art painters without borrowing from any specific artist. And the resulting cover features a series of unique, painterly, and richly colored letterforms, a design that will definitely stand out on shelves. The book also features some great textural details that can only be experienced in person, including an ultra-gloss lamination on the typography and a paper stock that emulates primed canvas.

Obsessed with Antonella Arismendi's Photographs!

2010-12-16T16:10:00.002-07:00

If you've ever that photography and other artistic endeavors cannot be wholy self-taught... Argentina based fashion photographer Antonella Arismendi will have you rethinking that.

She’s different, but in a good way. When asked what inspires her, she answered spirituality, new world order, 2012 and astrology. Those keywords could also be used to describe some of her work, which is to be honest, some of the most interesting fashion photography any of us have seen in quite some time.

Antonella is self-taught, and has been photographing for five years, where last two of them has been as a professional photographer. During those years her work has been featured in magazines such as D, Catalogue, Rolling Stone, Vnfold and Soko Zine. Her talent is amazing, and I believe she has a great future ahead of her.

Her influences converge in a magical fusion of technique, sensuality and mystique which have defined her artistic persona.

Not all of her work is to my taste but her talent is unquestionable and I am particularly obsessed with the shoot she did for Kling's 2010 Summer line; see below.

Everything Is Prettier in Candle Light

2010-12-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

I have so many design things I've wanted to blog about recently but so little time...

With the holidays just around the corner I've been thinking a lot about lighting, I just love when a room is illuminated by the lights from a chritmas tree... it just makes you feel so peaceful and happy doesn't it? And if it's cold outside and you've got a cup of hot cocoa in hand and someone special by your side even better!

Another kind of ighting that I really like during the hoidays, and well all year round is candlelight. Below are some beautiful uses of candles in design, whether you're using them for as a table center piece or as room decor...candles just make everything look so much prettier. :)

ps: after reading this blog if you just can't wait to purchase some candles and start creating your own candle inspired designs I just happen to have a hook-up for you at Gold Canyon Candles; Click Here!

I Adore these Yoga Fanatics Statues!

2010-12-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

I came across these totally adorable yoga statues today and I just LOVE them... I want all of them!

A fun and life-affirming bronze statue. The Rubenesque figure bursts with energy and vitality, reminding us that health and excercise aren’t reserved exclusively for people who match prevailing media images of what the human form should look like.

CLICK HERE To Purchase these Fantastic little Figurines!

White... it's not just a load of laundry

2010-10-21T11:56:00.000-07:00

White definitely makes you think and feel clean and fresh but thankfully it's oh so much more than just a load of laundry...

If you've been to my home you know I LOVE using white in interior design, I think it stems from my love of Shabby Chic design. I most especially love using it in Bedrooms (my own is mostly white) but really any room will do. I love the use of white so much I'm pretty sure I'll have to dedicate at least two blogs to this lovely little tint.

I think I'll dedicate this first one to bedrooms, since they are my favorite room in a home to design and then I'll move onto the other rooms on another day.

Another BRILLIANT Use of Typography

2010-10-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

I simply love when I come across a design that makes me think, "Man, I wish I'd thought of that!" it's so inspiring. Here's another brilliant use of typography that definitely had me wishing I'd thought of this... :)

This design coms via uncompromise a company owned by Cameron Burgess, who is an inspiring Holistic Marketer in Australia.

15 Artist in 15 Minutes

2010-10-02T09:39:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine sent me this note on Facebook earlier in the week. I don't normally do any of the quizzes or anything like but I did think this one sould be fun so I did it and created a little collage to go with it!

The Rules:
Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen Artists who've influenced you and that will ALWAYS STICK WITH YOU. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes. Tag 15 friends, including me, because I'm interested in seeing what artists my friends choose. (To do this, go to your notes tab, on your profile page, paste rules in a new note, cast your 15 picks, and tag people in the note. PLEASE DON'T LIST YOUR 15 IN THE COMMENTS)

1. Shara McCallum (Poet/Writer)
2. Frank Lloyd Wright (Architect)
3. Ansel Adams (Photographer)
4. Vicente Wolf (Interior Designer)
5. Pablo Picasso (Artist)
6. Oscar de la Renta (Fashion Designer)
7. Colum McCann (Writer)
8. Vincent van Gogh (Painter)
9. David Carson (Typographer & Graphic Designer)
10. Margaret Atwood (Poet/Writer)
11.Annie Lebowitz (Photographer)
12. Vera Wang (Fashion Designer)
13. Salvador Dali (Artist)
14. Rachel Ashwell (Interior Desinger)
15. Auguste Rodin (Sculptor)

Swimming in Seas of Turquois...

2010-10-01T09:09:00.002-07:00

Okay well maybe these pics are actually about Living, but I'm pretty sure these rooms that have used turquoise in all its various and oh so lovely shades will have your head literally swimming with ideas!

One of my favorite color combos is Turquoise and Orange or Turquoise and Red!

For the Love of Books and Reading!

2010-09-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

One of my absolute favorite things to do is read!
And one of my absolute favorite things is books!

I think the Kindle and other gadgets like that are interesting but I'd be incredibly sad if there ever came a day that books were not printed on paper anymore. I love the feel of holding a book in my hand and physcially turning the page.

I also really love the smell of books and all the different paper types. Each book has such a unique smell and feel; one of the first things I do when I get a book is to hold it in front of my nose, flip the pages and take a deep inhale....aahhhhh delicious!

Being that I have such a love of books it's probably not all that surprising that I love home library's and dream of the day when I can have an entire wall or even ::sigh:: and entire room of books!

Even if you don't love books as much as I do I hope you can still find some inspiration in the rooms below. And if you'd like to see some of favorite reads, click here check our Amazon Associate Bookstore!

The Ultimate Doodler!

2010-09-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

I discovered this illustrator tonight while viewing one of my favorite blogs and I immediately researched him and found some more of his wonderful illustrations.

I am particularly fond on of the ones I have included below because they make me want to smile and cry at the same time and that's a pretty special thing for an artist to achieve I think. :)

His name is Heng Swee Lim and he is an illustrator and visual artist living and working in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His website is called I Love Doodle and I'd say he's pretty much the ultimate doodler.

"Through illustrations and designs, I hope I’ll be able to doodle a smile on people’s face." ~ Heng Swee Lim

Listen An Imaginative Day

Hey Mr Blue Sky In Search of Sunshine

Let Go

The Royal and Heavenly Shade of Blue

2010-09-18T14:32:00.002-07:00

I know you've always thought you had to die to go to heaven well I beg to differ, and after seeing these decadant and luxurious rooms in heavenly shades of blue I think you'll agree!

Pink It's not Just for Bedrooms or Little Girls

2010-09-14T20:54:00.002-07:00

If you've always thought that pink is only for bedroom decor and little girls these rooms will have you rethinking that and quite possibly everything you've ever thought about this fun, flirty, fabulous and oh so very chic color!

Living and Loving Gray & Lilac

2010-09-05T13:32:00.003-07:00

So my obsession with Gray especially when combined with lilac in interior design doesn't just stop in the bedroom... why not bring those dreamy, sophisticated, chic colors into other rooms of your home.

I don't know about you but I'm daydreaming about living in these rooms...

Cute Tea Packaging!

2010-09-04T09:39:00.001-07:00

I absolutely LOVE the packaging labels on these Teas!
I think I am going to have to buy some just to have the pacakge, now that's good marketing if I ever saw it! :)

Good 4 You Tea
Locallly Handmade Herbal Tea

Unused Spaces

2010-09-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

“If it’s about getting people to use unused spaces, why not grow vegetables in the unused spaces in the logo?”

Great use of unused spaces!

“I had a great idea,” said Tim. “It’s called Landfit. I match people who have gardens that they don’t use with people who don’t have gardens who want to use that space to grow flowers, herbs, and vegetables.”

BRILLIANT!!!

2010-08-30T14:20:00.000-07:00

So along with the color Gray I've also become a little obsessed with Typography and I recently found this on one of my favorite design blogs and it's so awesome I just had to share... BRILLIANT!!!

Sweet Dreams in Lilac & Gray

2010-08-29T10:23:00.002-07:00

So I have a secret obsession with the color Gray... for me it is the perfect color, especiallly when used in design. Why do I love Gray so much?... well for one thing it's a neutral so you can pair it with any color and for another thing, depending on the shade you choose (and there are so many delightful ones to choose from) it can be modern, soothing, elegant, romantic, or just all around chic!

I am particularly obsessed with bedrooms in shades of Gray and Lilac with some whites, blues, pinks, darker purples and maybe even a little yellow for good measure. I also happen to be drawn to bedrooms with some element of the 'shabby chic' look (my own is in this style) and Gray and Lilac are the perfect dreamy and romantic colors for this syle of decor.

Here are few beautfiul examples that will have you wishing you could crawl right back into bed...