I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that.
Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.
(Pearl S. Buck)

Happy weekend to you, my lovely friends! How was your week? I hope you were able to enjoy some sunshine, sparkle and productivity amidst your busy days. My week went by quicker than I expected and I can’t believe the last days of January are upon us!

Since I started on January 1st, today is my last official day of the Whole Living Action Plan. I’m looking forward to sharing a recap of my experience in tomorrow’s Good Eats & Gratitude Post. More than that, I’m excited to celebrate tomorrow morning with my first coffee in 4 weeks! I have all sorts of fun things planned for tomorrow — including some serious spa time.

Do you have anything exciting planned? The following ideas and creative weekend to-dos are intended to inspire. Consider this a friendly reminder to seek out little delights and exceptional joys in the days ahead. Share your plans in the comments below!

listen to a new favorite podcast
run 3.5 miles & practice yoga
make snacks for next week
get a mani, pedi & massage!
window shop for new yoga gear
flip through February magazines
explore, play and pin on Pinterest
put together next week’s meal plan
read a book & sip on a soy latte
indulge in a decadent dessert

No matter what you end up doing this weekend, remember to take a moment or two for yourself. Light your favorite candle, wear fuzzy socks, go out dancing, or buy some treats at Trader Joe’s. Sending love & sparkle your way!

Image Credit: I like jumpers. via Bethan

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Everyday, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive,
I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.
I am going to use all my energies to develop myself,
to expand my heart out to others;
to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
I am going to have kind thoughts towards others,
I am not going to get angry or think badly about others.
I am going to benefit others as much as I can.
(Dalai Lama)

Happy Friday to you, my lovelies. Are you looking forward to the weekend? I try to mix fun to-dos with necessary chores to keep my weekends happy & productive.

This week I’m looking forward to spending time with my Mister, blogging & reading blogs, flipping through the big stack of February magazines on our coffee table, and grocery shopping for the Bonus! Week 4 of the Whole Living 2012 Action Plan.

Do you have anything exciting planned for the weekend ahead? The following list of ideas and creative weekend to-dos are intended to inspire. Consider this a friendly reminder to seek out little delights and exceptional joys in the days ahead. I invite you to share your plans in the comments below!

embrace these 10 real-talk blog tips
make new playlists for yoga & running
set up external hard drive for MacBook
sort through Google Reader & add a few new blogs
run 2 miles on Saturday, 3 on Sunday
finish reading Style Statement
watch an inspiring manifesto
download new podcasts

I hope that you find yourself happy and enjoying some time for yourself this weekend, however you end up spending it. See you here again on Sunday for another Good Eats & Gratitude post!

Image Credit: 16-05-10 Last Of The Summer (Wine) via Bethan

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Belief in yourself and in the possibility of success
is the most important requirement for living an extraordinary life.
Believe in belief.
Believe in yourself and the best of the world will come to you,
and you will be prepared to receive it. Don’t sell yourself short.
You do not require permission to be extraordinary.
(Richard Quick)

Hello, lovelies! I hope you’ve had a delightful weekend. Thanks so much to those of you who left helpful and supportive comments on my last few posts. It’s great to know that I’m not the only one craving solitude in January.

Since starting the Whole Living Action Plan last week, I’ve noticed how seldom I acknowledge daily victories. Small, quiet steps go ignored while I look towards the finish line and hold off on uncorking the metaphoric bubbly. Do you struggle with the same? Tiny triumphs are critical building blocks—each one a glittering, golden brick worth celebrating.

“You can do this. You are doing this,” I remind myself over and over. Changing patterns, adjusting priorities, and establishing new habits can be disorienting. Until we are practiced and comfortable in our new way of doing things, the old way just feels best. Maybe that’s one reason why so many people drop the ball on their resolutions.

I’ve held onto my intentions and stuck with the #WLActionPlan through this week, but not without sacrifice. I’m laying low and spending a lot of time in the kitchen. And even though the alarm goes off at 5 am, I’m not relying on 3 cups of coffee and 2 shots of espresso to get me through the day. When my energy dips around 3 pm, I am no longer leaning on a bag of mini M&Ms to revive me.

Instead, I’m drinking tons of water and herbal DAVIDsTEA (which I love!) and snacking on kale chips or pomegranate seeds. A change is unfolding. I feel vibrant, happy and connected. This week I got back to working out, with 4 days of Barre3′s DVD in the mornings before work and 3.5 miles run/walk on Saturday. This morning, I went to the lululemon store in Raleigh for a goal-setting session followed by a complimentary yoga class.

Changing my priorities has meant less time with my Mister—and certainly less time for flipping through magazines, painting my nails, and general lounging around. The upside is that I’m in a much better mood and am excited (instead of feeling guilty) when I do find some time to chill.

Week #2 Highlights:

• Listening to my body. This process has brought me a new level of awareness when it comes to hunger and mood. I’m learning to cope with the ups and downs of the day without sugary snacks or surges of caffeine.
• Getting a new package from DAVIDsTEA in the mail! So far my favorites are Forever Nuts, Licorice Twist, Jessie’s Tea and Organic Peppermint Amour.
• Losing a little weight. The number on the scale has dropped some and my clothes are starting to feel a bit too big… I can see a shopping trip for new jeans in my future.
• Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns). I bought Mindy Kaling’s audiobook to listen to on my commute (she reads it herself—so cool!). It’s funny, inspiring and down-to-earth.

Favorite Meals:

• Baked Sweet Potatoes with Citrus
• Raw Kale Salad with Pomegranate and Toasted Walnuts
• Watercress Salad with Sardines, Oranges, and Pepitas
• Grilled Salmon and Bok Choy with Orange-Avocado Salsa

I’m grateful to be in a place (emotionally, financially and otherwise) that allows me to pursue these dietary and fitness changes. Just a few months ago, this would have been too much to take on. It’s as if the stage was set and ready for me to step up. It’s an incredible feeling. Even though I think I could do this on my own, my Mister has been a huge help. He even got up with me this morning to hit up Whole Foods at 7 am so I could get all my grocery shopping done before yoga (I’m a slow shopper and he helps me stay on task).

I’m looking forward to seeing where week #3 will take me. I hope you find yourself happy, healthy and fulfilled this week. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, I recommend doing something that lights you up. Go to a local tea shop, buy an inspiring magazine, get a manicure, or do some yoga. I’ll be working to do the same!

Image Credit: 164 / 365 – I’ve got the brightest star you’ll ever find via Noukka Signe

There is nothing wrong with loving the crap out of everything.
Negative people find their walls. So never apologize for your enthusiasm.
Never. Ever. Never.
(Ryan Adams)

Hello & happy weekend!

This week has been filled with interesting shifts and wonderful surprises. The Twitter & blog circles I swim within are bubbling over with #reverb11 energy. I am so impressed with how the community as a whole has adapted to the change in circumstances. We happen to be quite the sparkly, resilient and supportive bunch — if I do say so myself.

Are you wondering, what the heck is a reverb? To find out, dive on in to Twitter with the #reverb11 hashtag … or read take on it here.

Are you thinking about joining #reverb11, but wondering if you are too late? The water’s a perfect temperature, and there are cups of hot chocolate in the cabin for those of you who prefer not to splash around in the winter.

Holiday vacation imagery aside, this weekend is a perfect time to get started with #reverb11. I hope to spend a few hours reading other people’s posts and connecting with new reverbers.

Do you have anything exciting planned for the weekend ahead? The following list of ideas, links, and creative weekend to-do’s are intended to inspire. Consider this a friendly reminder to seek out little delights and exceptional joys in the days ahead. I invite you to share your plans and creative to-do’s in the comments below!

mail a few sweet postcards
shop for craft supplies for DIY holiday gifts
discover a new place to find inspiration
laugh, think & have your emotions moved to tears
rise early on Sunday morning to enjoy moments of silence
clean house, do laundry & cook something colorfully delicious
celebrate a friend’s 28th birthday with drinks
recap this week’s #reverb11 mini muses
meet up with a friend for coffee
practice yoga with at lululemon

Image Credit: Untitled via SharkThe

To practice any art, no matter how well or badly,
is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.
(Kurt Vonnegut)

The weekend has arrived! What do you lovelies have planned? I’m looking forward to spending time with my Mister, meeting up with friends, catching some extra sleep and blogging for next week.

The following list of ideas, links, and creative weekend to-do’s are intended to inspire. Consider this a friendly reminder to seek out little delights and exceptional joys in the days ahead. I invite you to share your plans and creative to-do’s in the comments below!

run a few miles on the treadmill & practice yoga
find a beautiful way to count the days
beam music to the could with iTunes Match & play with Drinkify
add Spoon Fork Bacon, My Baking Addiction, & The Notebook Doodles to Google Reader
paint nails, listen to The Civil Wars, do laundry & clean house
enjoy a midday shopping trip with a great friend
order holiday cards & finalize gift list
sign up for monthly crafty goodness
wrap a pretty gift for Micaela’s Ornament Swap
prepare & grocery shop for a Thanksgiving feast for two
find a few ways to put extra care into the everyday details
finish reading A Place of Yes and start this

Image Credit: untitled via hillary the mammal 

Energy and persistence conquer all things.
(Benjamin Franklin)

Hello lovelies! How was your weekend?

Mine was quite wonderful. On Saturday, my friend and I drove 2 hours to our nearest Ikea. I picked up a few goodies including some picture frames and Christmas ornaments. I also had my eye on this NYC print, but I couldn’t think of where it could go in our apartment.

We stopped at a great outlet mall on the way home, where I found the cutest Kate Spade sunglasses (at a huge discount)! Saturday night my Mister and I stayed in, enjoyed some veggie chili, and relaxed on the couch. I painted my nails — Holly by Zoya on my toes and Milky Way by Essie on my fingers.

I’ve been trying to get myself in the habit of waking up early, so on Sunday I set my alarm for 5:00 am. It was a quiet and peaceful morning spent sipping tea and reading. Something I don’t do too often, but oh what a treat!

Yesterday I also ran a 5K with some friends. I figured it would be nice to run through some local neighborhoods, especially since the leaves are so beautiful this time of year. I haven’t trained seriously in months, so the race turned into a bit of a reality check. I have some work to do before signing up for my next half marathon!

Last night I sat down with my Filofax and November goals for a quick check-in. Can you believe that this month is nearly 1/2 over?! As I mentioned in my Intentions for November post, it’s been awhile since I really focused on achieving the goals I set for myself. While I’m not on track for everything, I have made some nice progress:

• Blog 5 times a week :: Week 1 – success! Week 2, just 2 posts. Week 3, working on getting back in gear.
• Try 2 new recipes :: Done and done. I’ve already tried 3 new recipes already this month.
• Workout 5 times each week ::  Not quite, but I’m working on this too. I’m on a 2 day streak with yesterday’s 5K and an easy 2 mi run this morning.
• Run 2 races :: 5K complete. Now it’s time to get some good training in before the 8K on Thanksgiving.
• Finish reading A Place of Yes and Loving Frank :: I finished Loving Frank yesterday, so I’m half way there!
• Finish Christmas cards :: Still on the hunt for these. I really want to work on these over Thanksgiving weekend, so hopefully I’ll make a decision soon.
• Plan gifts for family & friends :: Making significant progress! I ordered some great gifts from DAVIDsTEA and Sephora last night.

I’m hoping to follow up this great weekend with a lovely week. What about you, my friends? Did you have a nice weekend? What are you looking forward to this week?

Image Credit: Untitled via Always Bë Cool

My will shall shape the future.
Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man’s doing but my own.
I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me
or I can be lost in the maze.
My choice; my responsibility; win or lose,
only I hold the key to my destiny.
(Elaine Maxwell)

Happy Friday, my lovelies! How are you? I’ve had a great week—beginning with a holiday on Monday and wrapping up with my 2nd blogiversary this weekend.

I am overjoyed with the excitement around Sparkle Swap and am really looking forward to seeing new friendships unfold. Registration closes tomorrow, so make sure you sign up soon if you want in on the fun!

A special thanks to Micaela Maxham for sharing her Truth, Love & Insight this week. I just adore Micaela & her readers who are so incredibly creative, sweet & amazing.

The following creative to-do’s are intended to inspire happy weekends. Consider this a friendly tap—or slight tug—towards exploring little delights and exceptional joys this weekend. I invite you to share your creative to-do’s in the comments!

celebrate 2 years of blogging amazingness
remember special moments with a sweet diy
meet up with a girlfriend for coffee
journal, meditate, or think on this
play with new Sephora finds
write snail mail love notes to friends
cook spicy fried veggie deliciousness
switch out to fall wallet & purse
send out Sparkle Swap surveys
snuggle up & watch a movie
go bowling with friends on Saturday night
find a pair and shop for a good cause
 clean house & get ready for another amazing week

Image Credit: Francesca via Astrgony

Only through our connectedness to others
can we really know and enhance the self.
And only through working on the self can we begin
to enhance our connectedness to others.
(Harriet Goldhor Lerner)

It’s been a quiet and productive day. Target and Whole Foods in the morning. Laundry tumbling in the dryer through the afternoon. Chili cooking in the crockpot for dinner. Autumn’s approaching. The sun goes down earlier with each day.

My Mister was sweet enough to build the new bench we picked up at Ikea. I finally found orange sheets for our bed. Handwritten notes to a few close loves are stamped & ready to be mailed. A fresh coast of Essie’s Merino Cool adorns my fingers & toes.

The rush of another week will come soon enough. Early alarms, morning workouts. Successful days at the office. Sweet, loving moments at home. I’ve created a new playlist for the coming of fall, the farewell to summer. Songs4September. I hope you enjoy!

Burning / The Whitest Boy Alive
Cover of Night / Steve Reynolds
The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades Is Out to Get Us! / Sufjan Stevens
A Shot to the Stars / Whitley
Various Stages / Great Lake Swimmers
Matinee / Hurts to Purr
River / Angus Stone
The Longer I Run / Peter Bradley Adams
Goodnight / La Rocca
Islands / The xx
No Cars Go / Arcade Fire
The Crane Wife 3 / The Decemberists
Little Ms. Darling / Robinson
Evening On the Ground (Lilith’s Song) / Iron & Wine
Details In the Fabric (feat. James Morrison) / Jason Mraz
3055 / Ólafur Arnalds

*All links lead to iTunes, so head over and check these songs out.

Image Credit: notes of a rock song via linh.ngân

Celebrate summer—sun-drenched days and starlit nights.
(Gooseberry Patch)

Happy weekend to you, my friends. What do you have planned for the days ahead? I’m looking forward to taking full-advantage of the three day weekend with a mix of fun, productive and creative things on my list.

It looks like the weather’s going to cooperate here in Chapel Hill for today’s football game. The Mister and I are attending our first tailgate of the season, and are really looking forward to connecting with some new B-School friends. Go Heels!

My 2nd blogiversary is just around the corner—1 week from today. I’m overjoyed with the response I have received so far. If you’ve emailed about providing a giveaway item or participating in future guest posts, I hope to follow up with you over the weekend. Please know that everyone’s invited to the celebration. Bring your party hat, streamers and favorite tunes to the party.

The following creative to-do’s are intended to inspire happy weekends. Consider this a friendly tap—or slight tug—towards exploring little delights and exceptional joys this weekend. I invite you to share your creative to-do’s in the comments!

Paint nails & watch an old favorite like Eat, Pray Love.
Order a new wallet & laptop cover.
Light a candle, pour some wine & catch up on emails.
Find a journal for a new top secret project.
Cheer for the Ohio State Buckeyes & UNC Tarheels.
Play on Pinterest & pick up finishing touches at Ikea.
Blog & plan for the upcoming Sparkle Swap.
Watch Bravo on demand while folding laundry.
Relax & enjoy the extra day off on Monday.

Image Credits:
Football in Grass via Jayel Aheram // Rack ‘Em via Yogma // Lightly Grilled Asparagus via woodleywonderworks

If you can dream it, you can do it.
(Walt Disney)

Happy Wednesday, my friends. Are you feeling all the good ju ju and positivity this week? If you are in need of a little extra sparkle, check out last week’s Truth, Love & Insight feature with Kelsey Brown. Today’s interview with Lisa Thiele will also have you smiling. I initially connected with Lisa through her pretty blog With Style & Grace. Shortly after swooning over her gorgeous photography and sweet words, I began following her tweets and pins. A little more about Lisa, in her own words:

I’m a food stylist and photographer. I’m constantly testing and creating healthy [and some not so healthy] recipes. After a year of being gluten-free, I also help others adapt recipes, provide allergy-free alternatives and give tips on how to entertain, gluten-free. I grew up in a family that loves good food [& wine] and entertaining and well, it stuck.

I married a [very handsome] man who also loves food. He discovered his love at an early age; taking classes before he was 18 and then earning a degree in hospitality. The two of us together kick ass in the kitchen. Literally and figuratively.

I love to travel, run with music, drink champagne, wear fancy shoes and enjoy good food with great company.

With Style and Grace is a lifestyle and food blog, inspiring beauty in everyday lives.

1. How did your blog get started?

I was working [endless hours] in the world of advertising when I had a big health scare that landed me in the hospital. Shortly before all that, I had started a blog as a creative outlet; it was my happy place, pulling beautiful content from around the web. As I worked to rebuild my strength I decided it was time to create and share my own content. I [quickly] jumped into the kitchen and began baking and cooking, the two things that I loved to do! My mom offered me her camera, that way I could share my delicious masterpieces with the world and the next thing I knew [1 year later], I was being offered jobs as a food photographer, recipe creator/tester and referred to as the “gluten-free entertaining” expert.

2. What motivates you to continue sharing your story with the web?

My readers. Whether it’s emails, comments on my blog, response to a tweet or sharing pictures of their take on one of my recipes – I’m touched by every response I receive, motivating me to continue to follow my passion.

3. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to yourself as a budding blogger?

Follow your passion. Make room for mistakes. Dream big. Truly, good things will come to you.

4. If you could go forward in time, what is one question you would like to ask yourself? How do you imagine you might answer it?

Question: Do you still wake up excited to go to work?
Answer: Everyday.

5. What are your favorite creative resources?

Farmers Markets. Blogs. Cookbooks.

6. Who inspires you online? Offline?

My husband and my family inspire, love and support me – everyday. I hope, in some capacity, I can pass that onto you.

7. How do you make every day an extraordinary adventure?

I try and start each day with an intention, and remind myself that the possibilities are endless.

Images via Lisa Thiele