Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
(Dr. Wayne Dyer)

Do you believe in the power of your dreams? Do you live your life with intention?

It takes confidence, courage and chutzpah to pursue new heights, to go after promotions, to travel abroad, to speak to strangers, to jump from a plane, to share an honest blog post, to go after what you want… to pursue a life full of financial abundance, bountiful creativity and joyful relationships. Daring to dream of an extraordinary life requires trust and faith in matters beyond our immediate sight.

Fortunately, we are surrounded by proof that the universe is remarkable. It also helps that we’re part of a loving, kind and supportive community here on the blogosphere. If you’re reading this, consider yourself a member of the gang.

There’s an undercurrent of energy that influences all of our lives—and we have the unique capacity to tap into that power. By connecting to the creative force that resides within, we can start living the life of our dreams.

I have experienced the power of thought and intention in tiny circumstances and monumental moments throughout my life. Like anything, it’s a practice. Vision boards, journaling, connecting with soul sisters, this blog, even the pursuit of making every day an extraordinary adventure, are pieces of the puzzle.

Take a look around and think about what you can do to encourage abundance and invite joy into your life. How can you share your sparkle and creativity with the world?

image credit: via moi

PS. This post was inspired by @kellyraeroberts’s musings on abundance. If you haven’t already, be sure to check it out.

There are so many ways to invoke creativity and inspire brilliance in your day to day life. If you look closely, there is magic and beauty everywhere.

Seek to find a remarkable, yet completely ordinary, moment each day and I promise that you will make astounding discoveries.

In the meantime, check out a few treasures I’ve uncovered recently…

Happy phrases that sparkle and shine, via Cup of Jo.

Sex in the City 2 and Eat Pray Love, trailers for two movies I must see this summer.

Curiously cute Red Velvet Cake Balls, recipe by Bakerella.

Justified and Treme, my love for these two new shows is surprising.

Micaela’s delightful giveaway, join in to celebrate Dolce Vita’s 300 followers!

A woman and her passion for photographing animals, video via Etsy.

“Good for you” food bars with ingredients I can pronounce.

Women Food and God, an interesting read that I’ve found difficult to put down.

Thanks to all of you who extended kind words of encouragement in response to my confessions. I love being part of this amazing blog/tweet/webbie community and am looking forward to getting back into the swing of regular posting soon!

image credit: via banter banner

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

Hello sweet souls. I hope you are enjoying March so far. It’s definitely one of my favorite months. Winter begins to fade, spring colors hit the shelves and I get to blow out birthday candles. This year is an exciting one because I’ll be celebrating my 25th birthday on Monday, March 29th!

A small update to those of you who participated in my Good Karma Gift Swap—some people are still waiting for their packages, but I should be able to do a recap post soon. Thanks again to everyone who joined in! I’m in the beginning stages of planning another swap, so stay tuned for more details.

Thanks for all your congratulations and well wishes about my dream come true. I will definitely let you know when my podcast with Kimberly Wilson goes live. Also, I appreciate everyone who sent kind thoughts about the new job! I love my new teammates and am enjoying the work a great deal.

I’m excited to share my intentions for March soon. In the meantime, check out my thankful thoughts on lovely anomaly’s blog and upcoming post on Tranquility du Jour.

image credit: via weheartit

It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and
seemingly secure, to embrace the new.
But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful.
There is more security in the adventurous and exciting,
for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.
(Alan Cohen)

Hello fabulous ones. How’s your week going? Mine has been super full! It seems that making a major change (like starting a new job) will do that to someone. Training is going great and I’m finally getting into the groove. Something really cool happened to me on Sunday that I’m dying to share with you…

Kimberly Wilson interviewed me for her podcast!

I’ve literally listened to every single podcast she’s ever put out. I began listening back in college and always wondered what it would be like to be an artsy, creative, blogger chick. I still can’t believe that I’m on the other side of things now. It really is a dream come true.

I will definitely let you know when the podcast goes live. I’m a bit nervous to hear how it turns out, but also very excited to soak it all in.

Kimberly made me feel comfortable and confident during the call. She asked so many great questions! I was honored that she highlighted my Modern Girl’s Manifesta and guest blogging over at Tranquility du Jour. My heart skipped a beat when she asked if I’ve thought about writing a book someday—seriously? I would love to.

edit: The podcast has gone live. Click here to listen to it!

photo credit: kennymatic

Stuff happens. We dance with it.
The better & happier you dance, the better you do.
(Seth Godin)

Hello February, another turn of the calendar and a fresh new month. I disappeared last month as January flew by—you might have noticed that I rarely blogged, tweeted or connected with you lovely souls. I missed our community and am looking forward to getting back into the flow.

Some of you already know about my news from yesterday—I am excited to announce that after 2.5 years with the same company, I am moving onto bigger and better things!

Quitting my job was difficult, especially since I’m not one to retreat or give up. I knew that leaving would be a challenge, but I didn’t expect to learn so much through the process. The experience taught me about the fine line between loyalty and self-preservation. I am thrilled with my decision and will happily share more details as things progress.

With the rest of the week to myself, I am planning on cleaning my apartment, getting my haircut and enjoying some quiet time for reflection. Everyone is on their own time-line and for whatever reason, last month was at warp speed. This month, I am setting a few attainable intentions that will help me build the stage for a fantastic 2010!

Intentions for February

• revamp my wardrobe by adding a a few fantastic basics and classy accessories
• reconnect with my routine by sticking to a bedtime and working out 3 times a week
• reengage my creative juices by blogging more and indulging in artist dates

It seems as though there’s a theme around revamping, reconnecting and reengaging. Perhaps my overarching goal for February is to nurture myself with love, positive energy and productivity.

What are a few of your intentions for February? I would be so grateful if you shared how you plan on nurturing your soul during this love-filled month.

photo credit: sister72

Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open.
(John Barrymore)

Friends, I am elated to announce that another weekend is on its way. This week has been full of exciting moments and challenging times and I’m looking forward to spending the next two days enjoying creative bliss.

I have more than enough inspiring items on my to-do list for the weekend ahead. I hope the links and ideas to follow help inspire you to pick up a sketch book, sing along to a favorite tune or type out a bit of poetic prose.

Whatever your weekend holds, please share your creative plans with the rest of us!

order this organic (and inexpensive) tomato gift box

consider the possibility of an oceanside retreat

develop a morning routine renovation plan

get cozy at starbucks & check out their new healthy treats

email a friendly reminder to the future

journal about style icons

clean the apartment & get to know a few corners

make love packages for sweet friends

remember to shine brightly

forget to care about what other people might say

photo credit: aunt owwee via flickr

Be always at war with your vices,
at peace with your neighbors,
and let each new year find you
a better [wo]man.
(Benjamin Franklin)

I may be a bit tardy in presenting my resolutions, but I figure there’s still plenty of time with 350-ish days left in 2010. In addition to my modern girl’s manifesta, there are a number of things I want to focus on this year.

As I planned my intentions for 2010, I thought of ways to begin living my ideal life. An ordinary, yet completely fantastic, everyday existence. Keeping in mind that it’s the journey (not the destination) that matters, I resolve to:

practice yoga weekly

be kind to the girl in the mirror

eat with the intention to fuel my body

support my spine by sitting and standing up straight

wear my hair down more often

treat money with respect

consider tomorrow when spending today

enjoy time with friends and family

embrace my mister with love and kindness

adore my art & writing

relish every bit of my creative being

send invisible parcels of love into the ether

This year’s resolutions are much more abstract than normal, but I am tired of setting out to lose 10 pounds. It’s a new decade and certainly a good time to adjust my goal-setting strategy. By incorporating these resolutions in my daily routine, I will be well on my way to living the life of my dreams.

photo credit: via weheartit

As you begin to understand the immense power and love you hold inside,
you will find an unending surge of joy, light and love
that will nourish and support you all the days of your life.
(Susan Jeffers)

Happy 2010!

Here’s to an abundant year full of sparkle and joy. After an 11 day break from reality, I am preparing to settle into old routines while creating new ones. Like many, I’ve thought of a word for 2010 and decided on a few resolutions. Over the course of this week I will share with you my thoughts on 2009 and my plans for the upcoming year.

Thank you so much for sharing your love and light with me. I am really looking forward to the wonderful things this year has in store for all of us.

photo credit: gifrancis

The joy of brightening other lives,
bearing each others’ burdens,
easing other’s loads and
supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts
becomes for us the magic of Christmas.
(WC Jones)

Merry Christmas Eve! I hope you are enjoying safe, uneventful travels. I’m writing this from the airport and am looking forward to being home with family for a few days.

Before I leave Raleigh, I wanted to make sure I thanked you for all the holiday wishes and kind words about my exciting news—I couldn’t do any of this without you.

It was my honor to host a small gift swap this holiday season. With the help of Chelsea and Carolyn, a group of creative and inspiring bloggers exchanged gifts of cheer, sparkle, sweets and warmth. Pictures from each swap are included below—the links will take you to their blog posts on the exchange.

Chelsea Bea from Pencil Skirts and Pearls ♥ Kaileen Elise

Chelsea got me the sweetest assortment of goodies—including delicious chai tea, a bright red personal-sized tea pot, a cozy cream scarf, a decadent lavender sachet, yummy homemade caramel popcorn and this gorgeous print. My favorite part of the gift were two notes Chelsea emailed along—one to read before opening and one to read after. It took all the willpower I had to not read the letters before my package arrived! I loved everything, in case you can’t tell. Thanks Chelsea!

Kaileen Elise ♥ Maryam from Pamplemouse

Maryam ♥ Carolyn from Hang On Little Tomato

Carolyn ♥ Kylie from The Ooh La La Life

Kylie ♥ Melita from Gussying Up the Tuttle

Melita ♥ Chelsea from Pencil Skirts and Pearls

My Pretty Pennies ♥ City Girl

photo credits: via weheartit | me | maryam | carolyn | kylie | melita | chelsea | mpp | city girl