Category Archives: Inspiration

Feb14

Are You Feeling Valentine’s Day?

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Are You Feeling Valentine’s Day?

I don’t mean to rain on anyone’s parade but I’m not feeling Valentine’s Day. No decorations this year. Didn’t even make an attempt as I did last year. There’s something about this instant turn it on, feel this right now and if you’re not feeling it, then something is wrong with you that just doesn’t work for me. It’s really the other 364 days that matter so much more. You know what I mean? And the commercialism of it all flat out bugs me. However, if you are one of those who celebrates in a creative, DIY way, then I’m instantly intrigued.

With that said, I think this chair can add romance to any room, not just on one day, but everyday.

Or how about daily soaks in this beautiful bathroom

 

or stepping into this lovely outdoor space and lounging till the sun sets?

 

 Yes romantic spaces are what do it for me. Especially the ones that make me stop, gasp and bring me into present moment envy.

How about you? Are you feeling Valentine’s Day?

Either way, have a beautiful day!  And please know, I heart your comments.  They make me smile every time.

Sep17

Have You Taken a Me-cation Lately?

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Have You Taken a Me-cation Lately?

Me-cation, I thought I was being original and made up this word. But then I googled it and learned that someone had beat me to it.
So here’s my personal take on the definition; Me-cation - an outing  or experience for oneself, by oneself for the sole purpose of restoring ones inner spirit. Little or no planning is required and the execution is up to you.  Easier than a vacation or staycation, it can be purely spontaneous and the duration can last minutes, hours or even a day. The when, where and how is solely up to you but the why is an opportunity for one to (re)connect and (re)acquaint oneself with the essence of who we are. Life can be extremely busy and often overwhelming; some me-time is in necessary to nourish our soul.

So, off I went to the Arboretum Planting Fields, in Oyster Bay, New York.

Meandering through acres of lush freshly mowed greenery and trees,

I could hear Julie Andrews singing “The hills are alive with the sound of music ….”

Here, strict rules prevail encouraging solitude, quiet thoughts and appreciation for all nature and it’s beauty.

I was so happy to spend a couple of hours observing and snapping pictures of whatever caught my eye. Like this magnificent tree, for example.

It has such presence, don’t you think?

And the beautiful flowers still holding their own.

Oh look, a frog taking his/her own me-cation as well. :-)

Hmmmmm, what’s down this path?

Wow, the gates are open!

How did anyone even know I was coming? :-)

Look at all the magnificent beauty!

It made my heart sing!

On my way back to the car, I noticed pinecones trailing along the path.

They were so pretty, I picked one up, still sticky with sap, and it smelled sooooooo good! Thinking ahead to the holidays, I got a bag from the car and filled it up, just as I was filled up from this experience.

So on this day, I took the “Road Less Traveled”

“……and that has made all the difference” A great me-cation and I am a better me. My cup now runneth over.

I’m hoping you had some fun me-cation experiences? I would love to hear about them.

Jun28

A Little Piece of Heaven at Haven 2012

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A Little Piece of Heaven at Haven 2012

I attended Haven in Atlanta last Thursday and Friday and boy am I glad I did! I was in need of some blogging inspiration and direction and Haven was the place to be for just that. Both days were jammed packed with informational sessions like Basic Photography/Photostyling, I Love Thrifting, Blogging PR and I Like Big Blogs:Tips on Growing Your Blog; networking opportunities and vendor exhibits. Breakfast and lunch were provided too so there was no reason to leave the hotel. I was amazed at how the eating areas transformed into classrooms within minutes.

The vendor booths included HGTV Home, Minwax, Purdy, Rustoleum, Frog Tape, Pure Bond, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint any so many others. And if receiving a Haven product bag filled with all kinds of goodies wasn’t enough, there were so many vendor giveaways, I had to ship my goodies home via UPS. I won a quart of Annie Sloan too! Woo Hoo!

Forget Christmas in July, it was Christmas in June at Haven.

Between the classroom sessions and talking to other bloggers, I got bits and pieces of helpful blogging information. The highlight of the conference, though, was attending Advanced Painting given by Miss Mustard Seed.

She talked about paint types, techniques and finishes. And yes, most of what she talked about she has already generously shared on her blog but being able to ask specific questions was terrific!

She is just as authentic and forthcoming in person as she is in her blog posts. I admire that tremendously.

I also got to meet Mr.Goodwill Hunting. He was a hoot.

His has a comedic delivery that is very entertaining.

All in all Haven was an informative gathering and I am glad I made the commitment to attend. It was tough getting there as I had to leave hours after No. 2 son graduated from fifth grade. I purchased a ticket last October, long before graduation dates are determined. Fortunately, I was able to celebrate with some of his classmates and their parents before flying out. I organized a pizza luncheon at a local restaurant and we had a great time. I felt bad about missing his first dance that Friday, but No. 2 son was okay with it and I was able to forget the mom guilt thing because I got lost in a little piece of heaven at Haven.

How about you, have you attended any blogging gatherings or conferences lately?

Jun17

Candle Magic

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Candle Magic

I have been taking mini breaks from blogging for some time now. I am taking time instead to assess my life and focus on identifying my true calling and what I was put on this earth to do. I have many passions, some I act on while others are put on the back burner out of necessity. After all, there are only 24 hours in a day and wife, mother and life responsibilities have to be fulfilled, right?

Over the last few weeks, I have embarked on a spiritual journey in order to get reacquainted with my authentic self. No stranger to self-assessment and journaling, I have taken pen to paper, yes folks the old school way, to document my journey and chart the course ahead of me. Journaling, gratitude, affirmations and prayer are how I start my days. I wake up before my family so that I can have the quiet and stillness to effectively nourish my soul. It has been wonderful. Don’t get me wrong, the process requires discipline and hard work, but I am up for the challenge.

I have been journaling since I was a teenager, conducting gratitude sessions in my head since Oprah’s “Finding Your Spirit” season, and prayer has always been a significant part of my life; however, this journey is somewhat different. It includes dialog, exchange and guidance as I find my way. It is exciting and a little scary at the because it requires you to be brutally honest with yourself as you assess your life experiences, both good and bad. That means reliving painful feelings and memories that you thought you buried repressed or reconciled in the past. Although a significant undertaking, it is just the right thing for me to do at this time.

Who started me along on my journey? Ms. Alana Foy, a Life Coach and Reiki Master and all around beautiful person. You can learn more about her at Solitude or at Get WOWD on Twitter. She is on a mission to spread positivity in the world. She exudes such goodness that envelops, inspires and encourages me to take the steps necessary to live my best life. Her weekly assignments are helping me to focus and concentrate on what I am truly passionate about, connect with my inner being and to document my thoughts, feelings and emotions along the way. And then there are fun tasks like spending 15 minutes doing something you like every day.

So why did I call this post Candle Magic? Because lighting a candle each morning has become part of my morning ritual. It helps me relax and focus while journaling. My love affair with candles began last winter when I purchased a vanilla citrus scented soy candle. I used it until it could burn no more. Then I found an Essential Elements vanilla sandalwood candle, also soy, which I love as well.

I have come to the conclusion that anything vanilla seems to work for me. So in honor of my magic candle, I used my 15 minute “me time” to pen this poem which sums up my spiritual journey thus far:

Candle candle burning bright
May the entire world see your light

Comfort, Peace, that’s what you bring
Watching your flame makes my heart sing

As the sun rises early dawn
Look forward to you each and every morn

Pen to paper, the words just flow
Every thought helpful, I just know

Taking the time to record my gratitude
One step closer to my best attitude

Contemplating and acknowledging who I am
Finding the best me, that’s my plan

Written words easier than those we say
When I am done, I am open to pray

The universe is ready for me to make my move
With conscious living, I have nothing to prove

Poof you’re out, I’ve done my work
This special time is one great perk

Off I go to start my day
In a most exciting and fresh new way!

by Joselyn Smith-Greene

So, I guess it’s official. I now consider myself a published poet.
Do you have any candle magic of your own? Can you relate to my spiritual journey?

Apr30

Globes and Maps Are Now Design Tools!

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Globes and Maps Are Now Design Tools!

Apparently, globes and maps are no longer just for geography lessons. Lately, I have been running into some inspiring DIY global designs. Here’s a sampling of what I found:


Better Homes and Garden


Apartment Therapy


Marie Claire Maison.com

Equally, I am enamored by the varying colors as I am about the ingenuity behind these upcycled designs.

And how about these mapping treasures:


Image Remix

I hope you will stop by and take a look at this transformation for yourself. The before condition of this piece would have made most people turn away.

Now take a look at this map chair makeover by Jessica at Nouvelle Vie.


Nouvelle Vie

Could a map be any more appropriate for this schoolhouse chair? You can check out her inspiration for this piece here:

So clearly, maps and globes are not just about geography, they can also be a creative tool as well.

What do you think? Have any global or mapping treasures of your own?

Linking to:

Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday

Beyond the Picket Fence:Under $100 Linky Party

DIY by Design: Swing into Spring

Domestically Speaking:Power of Paint Party

Faded Charm:White Wednesday

Handy Man Crafty Woman:Wicked Awesome Wednesday

Primitive and Proper:Piece of Work Wednesday

Primp:Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Link Party

Restore Interiors: Restored It Wednesday

Savvy Southern Style:Wow Us Wednesday

House of Hepworths: Hookin Up with HOH

No Minimalist Here:Open House Party

The Shabby Creek Cottage: Transformation Thursday

Addicted to Decorating: Addicts (not so) Anonymous Party

At the Picket Fence: Inspiration Friday

Chic On A Shoestring: Flaunt It Friday

Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday

Finding Fabulous: Frugalicious Friday

French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday

Miss Mustard Seed:Furniture Feature Friday

My Repurposed Life: Catch as Catch Can Party

My Romantic Home:Show And Tell Friday

Redoux:Friday Feature Party

Simple Home Life:Simply Creations

Tatertots & Jello:Weekend Wrap Up Party

The Charm of Home:Home Sweet Home

The Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday

Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Night Special

Beneath My Heart: Best DIY Project of the Month

Feb17

Rx:Get Some Inspiration and Call Me in the Morning

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Rx:Get Some Inspiration and Call Me in the Morning

I have no doubt this is what my doctor would tell me. I don’t know what it is lately, but I have been encountering more and more creative stumbling blocks. I think I can attribute it to lack of time and not being able to blog hop as much as I used to. Honestly, there are so many great ideas out there and I love taking bits and pieces of what I encounter and adding my own personal spin to come up with a unique project.

With that said, I find that when I am super busy, my ability to focus is hampered and the creative part of me shuts down. Does that happen to you? I find this unfortunate because that is the part of me that nourishes my soul and allows me to tap into the essence of who I am. Does that make sense?

I noticed this feeling usually hits me in the winter when I cannot get out in my garage and go at it. I have written about this before and at this point, I think I should give it a name; SCD, Seasonal Creative Disorder perhaps? LOL. Finding humor is part of my therapy, but in all honesty, I am off kilter. Really! Santa brought me a Silhouette and I have yet to take it out the box and use it. That’s crazy!

Rather then self medicate, I want to find the right prescription. What do you do when you are creatively tapped out? Or are you feeling inspired lately, on a creative role and popping out the projects? Whether you have a prescription for my SCD or a project to share, I would love to hear from you.

Note: As you may already know, Google Connect will no longer be available on March 1 to WordPress users, of which I am one, so I have switched over to Linky Followers. However, since I can’t automatically transfer you, I would be so appreciative if you would take a moment to follow me by clicking on the Linky “Follow Me” on the sidebar so we can stay connected. Thanks so much!

Sharing this post with

Beween Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday

Primp: Primp Your Stuff Wednesday Link Party

House of Hepworths: Hookin Up with HOH

No Minimalist Here:Open House Party

Saved by Suzy:House Party

Nov9

Taking the Craft Fair Plunge

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Taking the Craft Fair Plunge

I always fantasized about becoming a craft vendor yet for some reason I never took the plunge to at least try it. When I came across an email in my inbox for a craft fair with a recycle theme, I knew that would be the perfect opportunity to test the waters. Build It Green! NYC is a salvage yard located in Astoria Queens is opening a new location in Brooklyn and they are having a craft fair kickoff. It will run for two consecutive weekends, December 10-11 and 17-18.

I have a month pull everything together. The last couple of days I have been brainstorming and planning what I want to make and sell. In the spirit of recycle theme, I am using what I have to create my inventory; I am even trying to use the paint left over from my past projects. I spent today sanding and priming and deciding on what color to paint everything; mostly frames, mirrors and wooden boxes and small home accessories. I keep changing my mind and second guessing myself, wondering if the colors I choose would be appealing to others. Here is what I had in mine.

Both images Better Homes and Garden

While I only had eyes for all shades of blue and brown, I really love how the pops of orange make these rooms sing!

The question is, do I go with what I like and hope others appreciate my design aesthetic? Or, do I try and figure out what the craft fair attendees like and design accordingly? I am in need of some serious craft show schooling, so if you have any tips or suggestions, please let me know.

Oct13

Blogging Woes

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Blogging Woes

I have been MIA a lot lately. Life has been real busy. DIY central is under renovation – roof,

siding,

windows, and a bathroom addition. And even though Mr. DIY and I hired a contractor, everyday life has gotten a little more complicated. The siding and roof are finished. Yeah!!! The bathroom is another story. Lets just say, I am hoping for a happy ending but I will save that for another post.

But as much as I like to blame my irregular posting on everyday life, that would be too easy. If I have to be honest, there is something more to it then that. I started blogging because I like to write. So I thought, why not write about what I am passionate about – crafty, DIY, upcycling, trash to treasure kind of stories. It started out so easy and effortless. And even though my love for writing or my creative passions haven’t waned, I find myself wrestling to blog consistently. The excitement has dissipated and I long for more time to read other blogs rather then write my own. Is this normal, I wonder? Do other bloggers go through the same kind of angst and growing pains?

I also realized that blogging sometimes hinders my creative flow. I get distracted by planning and taking photos rather then focusing on the creative process, so much so, that I put off starting, progressing or finishing my creative journeys. Speaking of photos, I have yet to master my Cannon
Rebel:( The learning curve from my point and shoot turned out to be far longer than I had anticipated. Sorry if I sound whiny, that certainly is not my intent. I just feel like I hit a road block and not to sure how to proceed. However, I plan to persevere through it all and hopefully find my true niche and balance in the blogging world.

If you can relate to any of this, do let me know. Your comments will be truly appreciated.

Sep22

DIY That Caught My Eye #2

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DIY That Caught My Eye #2

I received my shipment of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint yesterday! Finally, I get to have the same experience as everyone else in blogland, a fun time with ASCP. Yeah!!! After seeing so many beautiful makeovers, I’m a fan of all the possibilities that await me. Here are a few I came across recently.

How about these from Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie

Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie

To distress,

Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie

or not to distress. Beautiful either way!

Found this one on A Brush of Whimsy.

A Brush of Whimsy

And I’m so glad I came across this makeover at Maple and Magnolia because I was thinking of doing my kitchen cabinets. I really like this look!


Maple and Magnolia

So there you go; some Annie Sloan Chalk Paint makeovers that caught my eye. You have to stop by and see the befores to fully appreciate these transformations.

Can’t wait to carve out a little me time to experiment with it myself.  How about you? Any great makeovers you like to share?

Sharing this post with:
Miss Mustard Seed:Furniture Feature Friday
Funky Junk Interiors:Saturday Night Special
Between Naps on the Porch: Metamorphosis Monday

Sep11

September 11, 2011

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September 11, 2011

Dedicated to Those Who Fell and Those Who Carry On

A Day of Remembrance

I write this with a heavy heart as I think about the 2,977 lives taken so senselessly, the survivors who’s lives are forever changed and for all who said goodbye to someone they knew or loved 10 years ago.

It is a sad day and one of mixed emotions. Some will mourn, some will relive the days events and others will focus on the resiliency of our country’s ability to overcome such this horrific terrorist attack. Wherever you fall along this emotional spectrum, September 11, 2001 will always remain a defining moment for all of us. It is my wish that this day offes you healing, strength and better tomorrows.

Love, Prayers and Blessings,
Joselyn