The first few days of school were always my favorite, and I especially loved when instructors introduced the course syllabus. There was magic in having knowledge at my fingertips, with a map and experienced guide to show me the way. Life has been busy since graduating from college several years ago, and I often miss the discovery and excitement that comes from studying...

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...

This fall, I will be celebrating my blog's 3-year anniversary. Three years of showing up, sharing inspiration and connecting with more creative souls than I ever imagined possible. The keys to a happy blogger? Make a plan, set realistic expectations, write as often as you can, and believe in a little magic. Then wait to see what happens next. I'm quite fond of outlines and lists...

When I first moved to Raleigh four years ago, I knew no one. I arrived with little more than a big suitcase and new Ikea furniture. On most nights, I went home and got cozy. I journaled, read books, watched TV and took a lot of baths. After college, a few breakups and moving from San Francisco, I needed a breather. I savored the time alone...

The new year is a perfect time to implement new eating habits. There's momentum from New Year's resolutions, plus the inevitable post-holiday hangover. When parties, festivities and visits with family are in full-swing, we eat more holiday comfort food than any other time. Have enough peppermint martinis, pieces of pie and Christmas cookies...

Hello lovelies! I hope the past few weeks have been kind to you. Although my break from blogging was unscheduled, it was exactly what I needed. The Mister and I had a chilly, but very fun trip to Ohio for Christmas, and a quiet party of two at home for New Year's. It was truly the perfect ending to 2011. My heart is filled with love and gratitude...

Hello lovelies, I hope you've had a wonderful week! I'm finally feeling better after catching an annoying winter cold. As I mentioned, I'm approaching Reverb differently this year. Instead of posting for each prompt, I'm writing in my journal first. Letting the thoughts come unedited, then cleaning them up a bit before publishing. It's been such a great exercise...

I love Christmas music. As soon as we were finished with our Thanksgiving leftovers, I started pulling together mixes and new stations on Pandora. There's something about holiday tunes that gets me in the spirit and lifts my mood. I'll have this list playing in the background while finishing up our Christmas cards, wrapping gifts and baking cookies...