2011 Intentions

It is that time of year isn't it? A time for reflection and a time that most make resolutions for the new year. I'm all about the reflecting but the resolutions not so much. 2010 has been a big year for me. Dare I even say a lot of life changing stuff started to unfold.

In 2010 I....

• Started Geocaching
• Had surgery for the first time in my life
• Left my 20's behind
• Saw my daughter off to her first day at Kindergarten
• Visited Yellowstone National Park
• Took an incredible weekend photography workshop
• Got in shape
• Started a journal
• Started Blogging again
• Unravelled
• Played with fire

A sort of metamorphosis began to happen inside of me. I'm still growing. I'm still finding my way. Although, through it all I'm pretty dang happy where I am at in this moment. So looking forward to 2011 I have some wishes for myself. These are my intentions, not resolutions.

• Take more bubble baths
• Stop taking myself so damn seriously and let the laughter out
• Reach outward
• Spend more time with my nose in books and less time on the computer
• Stay healthy and be good to my body
• Listen to more music

Those are my intentions. They are all simple things by themselves but together they lead to a fulfilling year filled with love, laughter, joy and growth.

Happy New Years!

Winter Views

Christmas Eve my Dad and I braved the cold and got out for a little while for some photos. I have to admit using my iPhone has been almost as fun and sometimes easier than lugging around my Nikon. This time I ended up taking both.

Handmade Holiday

I can finally reveal a few of the things I had been working on for gifts this year.

 

The first is a metal wall calendar I did for my mom. I added on the embellishments, the quote and the custom made magnets. The second was a broach for my step-mom. The metal piece was made then attached to a flower with a pin on the back. The last is a zodiac necklace I did for my mom. I knew I wanted to incorporate her sign so I found some custom zodiac images on Etsy that I was able to print and set in resin.

I hope they were all well received and everyone enjoyed them! It really is fun making things from the heart!

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday season. I wish you all relaxation, comfort and good tidings. I hope the next year brings joy for you all.

Merry Christmas!

Holiday Treats

Flipping through a gourmet gift magazine last month I saw these and thought, "I could totally make that!" So yesterday my daughter and I did. Mine aren't nearly as beautiful as the ones pictured in the catalog but I bet they taste about the same. The chocolate covered morsels were referred to as Top Hats because of their resemblance. Although mine look a little more like hats that have seen better days. The secret? There isn't one really because all that is too them is an Oreo dipped in chocolate and topped with a equally covered marshmallow. Sinfully good!

A Season to Share

When I was writing out my Life List earlier this year one thing I really wanted to add for this Holiday Season was to sponsor a family. It has been a work in progress this past month but finally today I can check it off the list! I wasn't even sure where to start when I was planning it out in November but after a quick web search I found two organizations in our area that take applications for sponsorships. I got in touch with a local representative who asked me a few questions about how we would like to help and we were set. A week later I received paperwork in the mail about the family we would be helping. The rest was up to me. I had to get in touch with the family and find out what we could do for them. I figured gift shopping would be the easy part. It wasn't. The mom either was being humble when telling me ideas or her kids just really didn't feel comfortable making lists this year. Either way, I was given only a few hints as to what they may like. In the end though we managed to come up with several ideas for each child. The best part was stuffing a stocking for each of them with all my little finds.

Today our family headed to the grocery store to get the final items to stuff in the car. Our daughter, Hailee, was not thrilled at first to be heading to her least favorite place but soon she understood the importance of what we were doing and starting asking what else she could pick out for them. We had a little shopping cart caravan going on while trying to multitask shopping for our family as well as theirs. I decided to purchase reusable grocery bags for them to keep and we filled every single one. I think what made it so easy is that it is 100 times more exciting to grocery shop for someone else than yourself. At least for me!

When we met the family in person today it truly was heartwarming. They were gracious and polite and so welcoming. It really was a treat for us to help them out and for Hailee to see the importance of giving to others this season. I definitely think we have started a new Christmas tradition for our family in the years to come. Giving to charities is great but being able to help someone and see the impact first hand is even that much better.

Happy Holidays to you all!

For your other half

If you are looking to add a little spicy cheer to your partner's life this season there head on over to Kind Over Matter and print off Amanda's "naughty" card and hide it somewhere special.

I promise it will make their day.