Dreams come true;
without that possibility,
nature would not incite us to have them.
(John Updike)

Thanks to all of you who sent birthday wishes my way! It was such a treat to see shout outs here and there. My day was full of love, laughter and a delightful surprise from my mister. Head on over to my guest post on Tranquility du Jour to read more about it.

Speaking of Kimberly Wilson’s fabulous empire of inspiration and sparkle, do you remember when I told you about one of my dreams that was about to come true?

Well, my interview on the Tranquility du Jour podcast went live today! You can download it from iTunes or listen to it here. Please check it out and let me know what you think.

I am sending hugs, love and gratitude to all of you. I feel so blessed to be a part of this gorgeous community of creative bloggers, silent (but sassy) readers, and talkative twitterers. Thanks for being you and including me in your circle.

image credit: sephora | prettymydrink | itunes | linkeldesigns | papaya | jcrew | piperlime | umbrellas.net

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only.
Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas,
the way we live, what is happening.
(Coco Chanel)

A few years ago, a friend recommended I check out a podcast called Hip Tranquil Chick. She thought I might like it since we were both taking yoga classes and trying to infuse the things we were learning into our daily lives.

There was no way either one of us could have guessed that a wave of inspiration would break from her simple suggestion.

It’s funny how life works out that way.

As the months passed, I read Kimberly Wilson’s first book and her blog. I listened to every podcast she put out and even worked my way through all the archives on iTunes.

When I started my blog back in September, I thought about Kimberly and all that she has accomplished. I remembered how she broke free from her 9-5 by starting a yoga studio out of her apartment. I wondered if she ever felt like I did—on the brink of something so exciting, yet so scary.

In October I learned that Kimberly was looking for guest bloggers—to help alleviate some of the workload she had taken on since beginning a master’s program in social work. I was excited and scared, but I applied any way and hoped for the best.

Earlier this week, she unveiled the guest blogger team and placed me amongst a group of talented writers, artists and entrepreneurs. It is really quite surprising to be in such inspiring company.

Starting January 6, every Wednesday you can find me over at Tranquility du Jour musing on all things stylish—from trendy accessories and classic must-haves, to apartment decor and sassy stationery. Please visit me over there and let me know if there’s something about your signature style that you’re dying to explore…

photo credit: Coco Before Chanel

PS. Come back tomorrow for a holiday love gift swap wrap up, just in time for Christmas Eve!

All that counts in life is intention.
(Andrea Bocelli)

A few weeks ago, Jess LC asked if I was interested in being interviewed for her weekly Design Your Life series. I said yes immediately, with the excitement and nerves that accompany new opportunities.

I’m usually quick to answer questions and share my opinions. I think that’s why writing blog posts comes naturally—it’s a super fun way for me to express my creative musings and opinionated thoughts.

But after checking out her DYL archives, I became incredibly intimidated by the ladies Jess LC has interviewed in the past. I read coco+kelly, modish, heart of light and jessicagonachaswift’s blog regularly—and to think about being featured along with these women was overwhelming.

I procrastinated and worried way more than necessary before finally sitting down to consider the intentions that help me design my life:

wake up with a smile

find inspiration everywhere

enjoy simple moments

love with heart

put myself on ‘the list’

believe in the extraordinary

After seeing my interview live on Jess LC’s blog, I remembered one other thought to add to the list…

we all have to start somewhere

This blog, a curious little project that has taken on a life of its own, is almost 4 months old. By most measures, I’m still getting started. Learning my style, getting to know you, discovering my passions. We have covered a lot of ground together.

Thank you for walking beside me and teaching me what it means to be part of a community full of love, sparkle and creativity.

photo credit: jessica’s new home on apartment therapy sf

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
(Mark Twain)

The start of this month brought with it many wonderful things. One of those things was the beginning of City Girl Lifestyle’s guest blogging series on Balance & Wellness. The insightful Melita from Gussying Up The Tuttle started us off with wonderful guidance on exploring the wheel of life.

This week I was honored to join in. Please jump over to City Girl’s blog to read my thoughts on pursuing balance and wellness through being kind, seeking your path and parenting yourself.

photo credit: liquene on Flickr