If you can dream it, you can do it.
Never lose sight of the fact that this whole
thing was started by a mouse.
(Walt Disney)

Wow! I don’t know about you, but this week sure has been jam-packed. I’m so excited for the weekend to be here! My mister has some college buddies in town for his birthday, so I know there’s plenty of good times in store for us.

In addition to partying it up with the boys, the following creative to-do’s outline my intentions—shared with you in hopes of inspiring extraordinarily joyful weekends. Consider this a friendly tug towards exploring creative shenanigans of your own desires.

play with blog header design
take an extra long shower
paint my nails red
mix up a yummy cocktail
shop online for inspiration
spend some time with my magazines
take slow, deep breaths
enjoy dinner out with friends
watch, listen, read, think

To continue my 32 Days of Sparkle celebration, I’m happy to share Giveaway #2!!

The goodies up for grabs are pictured above—prints from Morgan Day Cecil Photography, a journal & handmade cards from Heart Piercing Cards, handmade Swarovski Crystal earrings from SeaChele Studios, and a lovely quote magnet I picked up yesterday.

Each person is eligible for two entries! Leave a comment with your name, email address and a favorite quote for your first entry. Spread the good word of this giveaway on Twitter or your blog for a second entry. (Just be sure to leave a new comment with a link to your mention for tracking purposes.)

Be sure to get your comments in soon. Polls close on Sunday, August 22 at 8:00 pm EST—I’ll share the winner and their quote early next week!

image credit: weheartit | moi

PS. If you’re interested in donating to future giveaways, please email me ~ hello [at] kaileenelise [dot] com!

This time of the year always inspires me to buy new clothes and office supplies. Growing up, I delighted in finding the perfect outfit for my first day of school. Getting my notebooks, pens and highlighters sorted was a favorite activity. My love for this time of year even influenced my decision to study education in college.

Even though I didn’t end up as a teacher, I still think of challenging syllabi, unread books, and that perfect first day of school outfit with excitement. If I were getting ready to start a new school year, the items pictured above would be at the top of my list.

To celebrate my 32 Days of Sparkle, I’m hosting my first ever giveaway. A delightful collection of girlie, organic and sweet goodies are up for grabs. All entries must be in by Sunday, Aug 15th at 8:00 pm EST… Don’t forget to sign up!

image credits: weekender tote | banana republic | jcrew | paper-source | mod cloth | smencils | papaya! | kate spade

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving,
make every day a holiday and celebrate just living!
(Amanda Bradley)

Hello friends! I hope you all had lovely, restful weekends. Mine was extra sweet and full of fun. My mister and I went to see Inception on Friday, which I found it to be entertaining and engaging. Leonardo DiCapri is a gifted actor, Ellen Page is amazing and Joseph Gordon-Levitt is as entertainingly cute as usual.

On Saturday I lounged, relaxed and tried not to think of all the productive things I could have been doing with my time. That evening, we went to a nice dinner and met up with friends for a celebratory ale downtown.

I took myself on a bit of an artist date on Sunday. I enjoyed the morning with my MacBook on my lap, Pandora in my ears and a latte by my side. I love quietly reading blogs, sifting through emails and thinking about life. It’s during time like that when I feel connected, creative and energized by the work I do here online. Speaking of this work…

My 1 Year Blogiversary is in 32 days!

On September 10th I wrote my first post and said, “This is the beginning of my pursuit to make each day a bit more extraordinary than the last.” Since then, many remarkable things have happened. I am filled with gratitude for all the magic that’s entered my life as a result of launching this tiny website.

My intention is to share that sparkle and gratitude with you for the next 32 days. It will be a joy-filled time of daily blog posts, weekly giveaways and more! I’m looking forward to celebrating the last year of love, laughter and soul-sisterhood-ness with you.

image credit: filtran

PS. If you’re interested in sharing your goods as part of my giveaways, please email me, hello [at] kaileenelise [dot] com!

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.

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

The more you praise and celebrate your life,
the more there is in life to celebrate.
(Oprah Winfrey)

Hello there happy friends. Today’s my 25th birthday and I can hardly believe it! This one feels significant, as if I’ve crossed an important threshold. A lot has happened since last March 29 and I’m excited to see what unfolds this year. I spent the last few days celebrating with a manipedi, hair appointment, solo shopping, and a fun night out with friends on Saturday. Sunday was relaxing and filled with love.

Today should be a wonderful workday, followed by dinner with my mister and quiet time at home. I’m planning some artist dates and journal writing sessions to help me set my intentions and inspiration for the year ahead. I wish to continue to nurture my dreams and live with intention. I wish to connect more with you, my inner artist and spiritual self. I wish to rock this year and make it the best one yet.

image credit: papaya art

Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live.

Can you believe that this little journey began just 5 months ago?

We were strangers then, but I like to think that we’re friends now. Friends who were put on this earth to connect, create and enjoy life as side-by-side companions. There may be many states or even oceans between us, but we’re soul sisters through and through.

Since we’re starting a fresh decade and new year, I thought I would share some bits of me that you might not know. I hope you enjoy a few lists of ten for twenty-ten—please feel free to indulge in some listing on your blog. Email your link to hello {at} kaileenelise {dot} com and I’ll include it below.

Things You Might Not Know
1. I don’t read books unless I like the cover.
2. Birds scare me.
3. I don’t have a tried and true favorite color.
4. I was once a nationally-ranked swimmer.
5. I’ve lived in 5 different states: CA, KS, TX, NV, CA & NC.
6. I’ve been a Mac since 2002.
7. I once played soccer with an elephant.
8. I don’t have a passport.
9. I have naturally curly hair.
10. I’ve been practicing yoga (on and off) since 1999.

Movies, Music & Books I ♥
1. The Giver by Lois Lowry
2. The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
3. The Secret
4. Romeo + Juliet
5. O by Damien Rice
6. Sula by Toni Morrison
7. Garden State
8. Anchorman
9. Boxer by The National
10. Drops of Jupiter by Train

The Trouble* with Kaileen is…
1. Her opinionated nature can come off as “bossy” to others.
2. She has a tendency to focus on the end result instead of enjoying the process.
3. Her eyes are way bigger than her mouth.
4. She loses out on the joys of the inbetween by being so all-or-nothing.
5. A serial procrastinator, she stresses herself by waiting for the last minute.
6. She periodically forgets about the power of the universe.
7. She wastes energy by worrying so much.
8. Her loyalty sometimes gets her hurt.
9. She should be nicer to her mister when she is crabby.
10. Her desire for perfection sometimes gets in the way of getting the job done.

Reasons Why It’s Good to Be Me
1. My mister keeps my cold feet warm.
2. Speaking of feet, I have very long toes.
3. My handwriting is neat and feminine.
4. My friends & family live all over, which means I’m loved near and far.
5. YOU—my readers & community of online lovelies—keep me going.
6. As a kid, I taught myself sign language during time out.
7. I’ve been to Disney Land more than 10 times.
8. I’m flexible & double jointed, which makes for cool party tricks.
9. My college town is a sweet vacation spot.
10. I have the incredible ability to say the alphabet faster than anyone you know.

photo credit: moi
*inspired by The Trouble with Lisa

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,
stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?
It came without ribbons. It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.
What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
(Dr. Seuss)

Do you have your creative to-do list prepared? Check out this week’s list for inspirational ways to add some holiday cheer to your weekend…

meditate on the meaning of gratitude

set a cheerful intention during yoga practice

embellish the to-do list

explore a neighborhood at dusk to watch the lights twinkle

have a present wrapping marathon

flip through a favorite magazine for inspiration

discover new versions of old favorites

watch serendipity, the holiday, the family stone,
love actually, or four christmases

write thoughtful notes full of holiday cheer

bake cookies for the neighborhood

do something romantic

take a new approach to journal entries

photo credit: weheartit

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

It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
(Thoreau)

Whew! I can’t believe that Thanksgiving has already come and gone.

For those of you who are wondering, I surprised myself by having an evenly paced day with very little rushing or panic—a small, but significant, victory.

My mister and I enjoyed all the yummy home-cooked goodness of old family recipes. The highlight of my day (other than the food) was finding the time to go for a run and practice some yoga.

I hope you celebrated with loved ones, enjoyed delicious food and found time to take care of yourself over this holiday weekend.

After washing my dishes and filling tupperwares full of leftovers, I wasted no time getting into the holiday spirit. The last few days I’ve checked nearly everyone off my Christmas list and decorated my apartment with small seasonal tidings. My goal is to have all my presents under the tree or in the mail by December 14.

Here’s a mix of holiday tunes I plan on listening to while wrapping gifts over the next few weeks…

Christmas Song – Dave Matthews Band
‘Zat You, Santa Claus? – Louis Armstrong
Red(emption) Song – John Legend
Jingle Bells – Frank Sinatra
Silent Night – Bing Crosby
White Christmas – Bing Crosby
All You Need Is Love – Playing For Change
Little Drummer Boy – Tori Amos
Joy To the World – Jewel
Jingle Bells – James Taylor
Merry Christmas Baby – B.B. King
Christmas Tree – Bryan Adams
I Believe In Father Christmas – U2
Silent Night – The Thorns
Someday At Christmas – Remy Zero
The Christmas Song – Marvin Gaye

photo credit: via nothing is impossible