Mimi Smiles Designs

Mimi's Monday Look at Pinterest

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:55:00 +0000

I've been "pinning" alot lately and actually doing some of the pins as well. I thought I'd share a bit how that's been working out for me....

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

TODAY

PLANS FOR THIS WEEKEND

Peace,

Bead Hoarders Blog Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 18:42:00 +0000

Welcome to the 2nd Annual Bead Hoarders Blog Hop hosted by the always gracious and wonderfully talented Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. I did not participate in this last year (and almost didn't make it this year, lol), but am very happy to be a part of it today :) . The premise of this hop is to gather those beads that you've been holding on to for a while - in some cases, years - and finally create something with them. In other words, it's ~~a swift kick in the butt~~ the inspiration to design something using materials that you have on hand (and have had sitting around for a long time...). After we share our creations today, we commence "hopping" and hope that you will join us (the list of participants is posted on Lori's blog (link above and below). You will find some beautiful "pretties" and maybe some new favorite artisans as well!

First, the photo above shows my selected hoard of beads. The green and white artisan lampwork beads I'm fairly certain are from Lori Robbins which means I've had them since 2007 (eek...). I purchased the sparkly deep green artisan lampwork ones from DerondaDesigns not quite so long ago... 2008 (I know...).

Here is the bracelet I finally designed with these stunning lampwork beauties, combined with green aventurine, Swarovski pearls and crystals, and sterling silver rounds, findings, and clasp.

I know I'll be enjoying this special bracelet throughout the holidays this season and am so glad I finally got this ~~kick~~ inspiration to use these gorgeous beads!

Please join me in hopping through Lori's blog to see her incredible pretties and on to the other talented artisans in the list posted there - grab a cup of joe, cocoa, or if it's a little later and you're feeling so inclined.... - and settle in to see some beautiful jewelry and post some comments :) Thanks for stopping by!

Peace,

Octoberfest Blogfest 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 21:31:00 +0000

Today is reveal day for the third annual Octoberfest Blogfest hosted by Toltec Jewels of Jewel School Friends. While I'm a little late to the party today in posting ( if you know me, insert "chuckle" here), I am very excited to be a part of this hop, as autumn is hands down my favorite season. The challenge was to find inspiration in and share creations from fall. So, with my warm mug of cider at hand, I proceed.

Inspiration is never difficult this time of year, but my muse was especially delighted by a wonderful trip we took "Up North" a few weeks ago, where the trees, lakes, and vineyards were robed in their autumnal beauty.

When we returned, it didn't take me too long to find these gorgeous artisan lampwork beads, green with highlights of leafy brown, burnt orange, reds, to be the focals of this necklace and earring set. The necklace also features carnelian, fancy jasper, and rainbow jasper nuggets with Swarovski crystals. Welcome fall! So happy to see you again!

Please "hop" on over to our hostess, Toltec Jewels where you will find the list of all the Blogfest participants - so much awesome autumn inspiration and creations to discover! Happy hopping!

Peace,

Catching Up

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Tue, 26 Aug 2014 23:19:00 +0000

May? And now, it's almost September? Really?? Yep. That's what happens when this happens.

Add a lot of

, ~ a little and, unfortunately, a fair dose of

and wow, yep, it IS almost September! I'm getting healthy and ready for fall - hope you are, too! It will be a new season in many ways!

Welcome to Reveal Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Sat, 10 May 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Yes, it is finally "Reveal Day" for the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party - which means that today, almost 500 artisan bloggers around the WORLD will be showing you for the first time and telling you about what they created with the soups of beads received from their partners...including me and my awesome partner, Susan Walls of Susan's Art Circus.

First, a reminder of the incredible soup that Susan sent me - I had sooo much to "cook" with and had such a great time!

Filled with mother of pearl, shells, shades of blues and greens, sea charms, and a beautiful Tribal silver starfish focal, this treasure box was a perfect match for my ocean "spirit" - and the timing was great as we were due to spend a week on the Gulf coast which was great for feeding my muse!

My first piece was a necklace to feature two of the focals - a mother of pearl piece and the silver starfish - and also use one of the clasps from the soup. I added a "fun" silver turtle to the focal and then used the blue and green crackle glass beads along with more mother of pearl rounds, plus blue chalcedony, tropic jade, and rainbow jasper, all wired with sterling silver.

"Beach Dreams" Necklace

Of course, then it was natural for the "fun" turtle to get some "friends."

I LOVE this set sooo much and have already worn it many times - it is definitely a keeper for me :)

With such a wonderful soup collection, my muse kept going but this time I moved to a different color inspiration while still following the ocean/beach theme.

"Sand Dunes" Set

Finally, I used the beautiful turquoise nuggets provided along with chips of amethyst, quartz, and turquoise in a memory wrap bracelet with whimsical sea charms from the soup.

"Beach Wrap" Bracelet

I still have leftover soup, and in this case "leftovers" are great! So, I'm sure I'll be adding to the "Beach Collection" in the near future. It has been such fun getting to know a new super-talented friend, and I can't wait to see what Susan has created with the soup I sent her. Be sure to "hop" over to Susan's Art Circus and see for yourself. And then, check out all the other incredible creations and blogs today and this weekend - you can get the complete list from our fearless leader Lori Anderson at Pretty Things. Have fun hopping!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Wed, 07 May 2014 17:14:00 +0000

Extra! Extra!

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Fri, 02 May 2014 16:26:00 +0000

As in an "extra" week until the Bead Soup Blog Party reveal - Lori, our fearless (and I mean, fearless, bless her heart) leader, is facing extremely challenging health issues (please keep her in your thoughts and prayers) and has asked that we move the reveal date back one week. So, if you stop by here tomorrow you won't see the incredible necklace, bracelet, and earrings that I can't wait to show you....

But since I now have an extra week....when you stop by NEXT Saturday, May 10th, you might possibly see that awesome necklace, bracelet, pair of earrings PLUS even more great items since the stash I received from my super soup partner is overflowing, and my creative juices have even more time to play! :)

Friday Feature: Susan's Charming Trinkets

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Fri, 25 Apr 2014 14:01:00 +0000

I am so pleased today to finally feature my Bead Soup Blog Party partner, Susan Walls of Susan's Charming Trinkets. Susan and her art are all about creativity and fun, and I am having such fun getting to know her as we participate in this year's soup exchange. I hope you'll get to know her a little bit more here and take the time to visit some of her sites. Welcome, Susan!

Explain the story behind your store or trade name.

Let’s see…to be honest I’m not entirely sure how I came up with that name. My business started for me back in 1996 (or before) as Hardwear by Susan. I was into everything creative and focused on nothing. It was (and still is sometimes) pure artistic schizophrenia. The original name was a play on words as my husband is a software computer guy…Hardwear, software…most days that’s an inside joke. As I started to hone in on jewelry as my focus, and themed charm jewelry, Charming Trinkets was uttered one day and I thought it sounded right. I’ve been that ever since…but am having a branding identity crisis yet again and I’m seriously thinking of changing it to Susan’s Art Circus. (my current web and blog name) Just the word circus explains my creative process, my home life, and so many other things!

2. Explain how and why, if applicable, your work has changed in the last 5 years.

Change has happened gradually with the opening of ideas and really concentrating on what I love to do and shedding the things I don’t like so much. I’ve zeroed in much better on running with my intuition and gut rather than overthinking everything. (not everyday but more days that not) That translates into jewelry pieces with more of a mixed media flare, more varied mix of materials and themes, and much more of my sense of humor. I don’t worry so much that the general public will or will not like it. I just go with it…

3. What and/or who influences your work? OR What and/or who motivates you in your work? How do you find your muse?

My family is perhaps my best inspiration on a daily basis. We hang out together a lot and share many humorous stories, jokes, or situations. There always seems to be laughter in my house. Aside from that I love all kinds of people. Part of my career was spent in the restaurant business dealing with hundreds, if not thousands, of people. Faces show up constantly. I work all the time so motivation comes in waves. Sometimes it’s the pressure of an upcoming show, other times the thought process of an idea. And the days when motivation seems to be lacking? Well, that I can normally fix with a cup of strong coffee and some studio clean up!

4. What do you enjoy most about your work?

Two things: the freedom of being able to work for yourself and the control that comes with that. It’s very freeing after many years of working for someone else to be able to figure it out for yourself. It’s also a blessing (and some days a curse) to be able to figure out your own destiny and work your passion.

5. What is your favorite piece in your shop right now? Why?

I hate to admit my shop is totally empty currently. I am headed into my first show of the season and everything is going with me!* But if I had to pick something off the table it would be a bracelet filled with images from my own mixed media painting. It’s a fairly new technique I’ve been creating and allows me to take photos or fragments of a painting or larger work and turn it into a wearable piece of jewelry.

*Susan completed this interview over a month ago, but I'm just now posting it (see earlier post "Excuses, Excuses, Excuses"). ;)
You can find Susan and her work at the following sites - be sure to stop by!

www.susanscharmingtrinkets.com

www.charmingtrinkets.etsy.com

www.thecre8ivecircus.etsy.com (my jewelry supply shop)

www.susansartcircus.com/blog

www.facebook.com/susanscharmingtrinkets

www.twitter.com/susanmwb

www.instagram.com/susanmwb

www.susanscharmingtrinkets.blogspot.com (my old blog but has lots of stuff still there)

"Stay tuned" as Susan and I (and almost 500 other "beader-bloggers") participate in the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party next Saturday, May 8th - stop by here to see the creations I make from Susan's wonderful soup and start hopping to Susan's blog to see what she created with my soup...and on to the other talented designers!

"Friday Feature," is a highlight available to artisans/bloggers who follow this blog - just become a "GFC" (Google Friend Connect - in the right hand column) and I'll forward you the information. If you know of someone who might like to be featured, let them know about this opportunity!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 16:52:00 +0000

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:37:00 +0000

Awol, I know...and when I've been supposed to be blogging about the amazing Bead Soup Blog Party exchange that I'm participating in (our big "reveal" of creations is coming NEXT Saturday, May 3rd). If it matters, I do have some good excuses (a couple of unexpected hospital stays, a much needed vacation), some reasonable excuses (extra Mimi time with the kiddos, some final celebrations with soccer girl as she approaches graduation, a calendar full of graduation and wedding preparations), and yes, those excuses that just don't hold water (procrastination, "oh, I've put it off for so long so where do I begin now"). But, I'm here now so here we go...

First, let me say I am thrilled to be paired with the multi-talented Susan M. Walls of Susan’sCharming Trinkets. Just a reminder, with the BSBP, each partner sends a "soup" of beads which must contain at least one focal and one clasp and a variety of other beads. As the "cook," our guidelines are that the design(s) must use the provided focal and clasp. I was wonderfully surprised and so excited to receive the following soup from Susan - who apparently miraculously tapped into my love of all things "ocean" :)

As soon as I opened the package, I immediately knew that Susan had a great whimsical character and sense of fun that I would love. :)

Each package was wrapped carefully with a touch of beautiful color.

I felt like Susan was right there with me as I opened her package :)

And in a way, she was :)

And look, such a gorgeous soup, I have to work with!!

You'll learn more about Susan when I feature her and her work here on Friday. As for me, I better get working on this soup!!

It's Here!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 20:01:00 +0000

Yay!! My soup has arrived, and I am SOOOO excited! It is just what the doctor ordered :) First, excuses for being AWOL....well, there you go. No, seriously, a repeat bout with a nasty infection landed me in the hospital for a few days - and said infection really beats the energy out of me as well (nice stuff, eh?) so yes, it actually took this package to "kick" me back here ;)

Back in January, I posted an announcement about the 8th Bead Soup Blog Party, hosted by the most-incredible, super-awesome, unbelievably-talented Lori Anderson (all of those superlative adjectives mean you really must take some time to visit her blog, her website, and show her some love). After only ONE day of sign-ups this year, we still have almost 500 participants WORLD-WIDE! This is my second year so I still consider myself a "newbie."

As a "newbie," I was a little surprised but VERY thrilled to be matched up with my soup partner, Susan M. Walls of Charming Trinkets, who is participating in the soup for the first time (but as you can/will see has creativity and experience that is so inspiring). The "rules" of the soup are that we "make" a bead "soup" for each other which must contain at least one focal and one clasp in addition to whatever else we would like to add to the "recipe." Once each "cook" receives the soup, we have until May 3rd to design and create at least one piece featuring the focal and/or clasp (but more pieces can be made) by adding to the "recipe" as needed. On May 3rd, ALL soupers will post their creations on their blogs AND on the 8th BSBP Pinterest Board. AND a wonderful blog hop begins as we all start jumping around to see what we've created by visiting as many blogs as we can.

Last week, before I was sidelined, I carefully mixed my soup for Susan and packed it all for her, ready to head for sunny southern California (someone might be trying to tell me something as my soup partner last year, Mandi E., of Craft-o-licious, is also from southern California!). :)

Here's a sneak peek of what I sent - the "big reveal" of the soups will be next week as both Susan & I have now received our packages.

And NOW, it's here - my soup from Susan arrived today! And....it is SOOOOO over-the-stovetop, perfectly terrific! I'm holding off on sharing it with you until next week - and be sure to check in next Friday when I'll have a special feature on Susan and her shop! But, for now, enjoy what I did as I opened the package and found such joy and...as I'm learning, Susan's trademark, "FUN!" inside!! :)

"FUN!" indeed! See you next week! ;)

Calling All Knitters!

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 18:38:00 +0000

I love penguins. There is something adorable about the tuxedo-wearing, teeter-tottering creatures that has always made me smile. So when this "news" came across my Facebook feed this morning, I didn't hesitate to share it and knew that I'd be pulling out my own needles and collection of leftover yarn (oh, don't ask about that pile in the corner...) to help out.

Knitters wanted for penguin pullovers - ABC Melbourne - Australian Broadcasting Corporation

The sweater ("jumper" as it is called) pattern is available for downloading on the site as are directions for mailing. I'm planning to share the project with my knitting group and see if we can get a few "jumpers" to mail. C'mon - if you're a knitter, I know you've got a stash, too! ;) Why not give it a go?

Almost Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 16:13:00 +0000

Mr. Matt Turns Three!

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Mon, 03 Mar 2014 18:58:00 +0000

A new month, another birthday to celebrate - yes, that's the way it is this time of year for Mimi. Today is our Matthew's third birthday, and what a terrific three-year-old he is! Again, I am amazed at how quickly the years are passing.

Happy, happy birthday, dear Matthew - you are our big boy, and we love you so very much!

And, a "birthday" poem for you, sweet Matt...

"Noise Day"

Let’s have one day for girls and boyses
When you can make the grandest noises.
Screech, scream, clang a bell,
Sneeze– – hiccup– – whistle– – shout,
Laugh until your lungs wear out,
Toot a whistle, kick a can,
Bang a spoon against a pan,
Sing, yodel, bellow, hum,
Blow a horn, beat a drum,
Rattle a window, slam a door,
Scrape a rake across the floor,

Use a drill, drive a nail,
Turn the hose on the garbage pail,
Shout Yahoo– – Hurrah– – Hooray,
Turn up the music all the way,
Try and bounce your bowling ball,
Ride a skateboard up the wall,
Chomp your food with a smack and a slurp,
Chew– – chomp– – hiccup– – burp.
One day a year do all of these,
The rest of the days– – be quiet please.
--- Shel Silverstein

(Well, maybe not...) :)

Almost Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:39:00 +0000

"29 days 'til spring. But who's counting?"

Happy Birthday, Abbycadabra!

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 16:56:00 +0000

It is so hard to believe that 5 years ago, I became a Mimi! Yes, indeed, it is our dear Miss Abigail's 5th birthday!! In the blink of an eye...

My sweet Abby - you and your "magic hugs" that are meant to last until we see each other again - bring to mind this poem which is a favorite of mine and is a "gift" to you today. Happy birthday, Abby! Mimi loves you :)

Hug-o'-War

I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.

--Shel Silverstein

Never Too Late for Love

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:04:00 +0000

Ah, another Valentine's Day has arrived. And have you properly gifted your sweetheart(s) today? I had been working hard (and secretly, I thought) all week on a Valentine gift for hubby - a special playlist of songs for him from me on Spotify.....all selected carefully, listened to, dragged up to the "My Funny Valentine" playlist spot - you get the idea. I spent some time on this so as I was preparing to finally sharing it with dearest hubby -- as I was getting ready to type, "Happy Valentine's Day" -- you can imagine my curiosity (and subsequent frustration) when I noticed a red flag up in the corner of my Spotify screen (this is where you are figuring out that I don't know much about Spotify). I clicked on the flag and read that said hubby had started "following" the "My Funny Valentine" playlist 20 minutes earlier. Geesh! So much for Valentine surprises!!

All is not lost - for me or for you, if you still are looking for last minute ways to share a Valentine message. Pinterest had some ideas for the procrastinators among us (or for those of us who would rather not blow the family budget on an 8 pound box of chocolates....well, we would, but...you know what I mean). Here are a few that I found.

Have a couple of bananas and a Sharpie?

Of course, if your Valentine has a weakness for donuts instead of bananas, this is a great idea - and the link takes you to a free printable from Remarkable Home - easy peasy.

And finally, grab a couple of tootsie pops and some construction paper...

Hugs & Kisses, all!

P.S. I really wasn't kidding about an 8 pound box of chocolates. DeBrand's Chocolatier's was giving away this!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:14:00 +0000

"Yes, Virginia, there is a summer."

Goodness Bakes!

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 16:25:00 +0000

After another couple of subzero mornings, it was time for our favorite morning (and evening....and lunchtime) dish (yes, once it's made, we enjoy it for any meal - it is THAT delish and THAT versatile...well, at least for us. We're not picky).

I give you - JoAnn's Baked Oatmeal (now JoAnn will tell you that this is Mary Sue's Baked Oatmeal, but I got the recipe from JoAnn, so there you go). This 9" X 13" pan of awesomeness will warm you up and fill you up anytime this winter (and next fall - yes, we do start early with this one - as soon as the apples are ready, hubby and soccer girl will start asking for it).

One of the great things about this dish is that, for the most part, it is quite healthy. Yes, it does call for some brown sugar -- but, I think next time we make it, I'm going to try reducing the amount. I'm pretty sure it would be just fine with half the amount or maybe even one quarter the amount (I'll let you know when I do -- or if you beat me to it, post a comment and fill us in on your results).

The other change (healthier, I think) we tried last night was with the milk and the oil. We used unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk (I hardly ever use regular milk anymore, but we have it on hand for hubby's cereal) :) And the oil? In the past, we have always gone with 1/2 canola and 1/2 olive. This time we did 1/2 coconut oil (melted it in the microwave) and 1/2 olive oil. I thought the whole dish would have a coconut "taste" to it (which we really didn't think we would mind) as it had a wonderful tropical aroma when everything was mixed. However, the finished dish didn't have any trace of a coconut taste to me at all. We are using the coconut oil here and there, and this seemed like a good place to substitute it - it worked!

Other tips for "Baked Oatmeal":
* Night before prep dry ingredients, wet ingredients (refrigerate), and chopped fruit/nuts except apple (wait til morning to chop apple to prevent turning brown).
* An easy way to do the applesauce is if you have snack packs - they are 1/2 c. each
* Might be interesting/healthy to try this with egg whites/egg substitutes, too.
* I've been told this can be made with Splenda instead of the brown sugar. Again, we will probably just try reducing the brown sugar first. Then we may try adding Truvia (Splenda is still a no-no for me with migraines). :/

Finally, here's "JoAnn's Baked Oatmeal"! Enjoy :)

3/4 c. brown sugar
1 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
3 1/2 c. old-fashioned oats (real oats, not quick-cooking)

2 c. milk
1/2 c. oil (can use all olive oil, all canola, or 1/2 & 1/2)
2 eggs beaten
1/2 c. applesauce
1 t. vanilla

1 fresh apple chopped
1/4 c. dried fruit (cranberries, etc.)
1/2 c. ch. nuts (pecans, walnuts, etc.)

Preheat oven to 375 (350 for glass pan). Mix dry ingredients. Add wet ingredients and stir well. Add fruit and nuts. Pour into greased 9 X 13 inch pan. Bake 25 minutes. Cool a little before eating. Cover and refrigerate the rest. Reheat portions in microwave.

Wearing Red?

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:39:00 +0000

Got your red on? In case you didn't know, today is National Wear Red Day in the "Go Red for Women" healthy heart campaign by the American Heart Association. Yes, I'm wearing red, and I'm also sharing some favorite "reds" that I've found today -- enjoy!

A beautiful infinity scarf that is full of not just red, but of wonderful other colors in its details from EasyStreets on Etsy.

This fun but warm-looking "newsboy" cap from ActingCrazy on Artfire - a brilliant warm red.

Sooo adorable -- love, love this red, "red riding hood" sweater from WildernessSerenity on Etsy.

And this is perfect for holding a much needed shawl in place this winter! Beautiful! From 2GoodClaymates on Artfire.

Finally, I'm glad to finally get something new and RED listed in the Etsy shop. It's perfect for you if you're crazy for polka dots!

I hope you're joining me in wearing red and encourage others to get on board. February is "Go Red for Women" month so you've got plenty of opportunities to "celebrate red" as you promote healthy hearts for women!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 14:26:00 +0000

Opening Doors

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 15:34:00 +0000

(if you would like to take this quiz, the answers are at the end of this post)

I saw this on my Facebook Feed this morning - you know, one of those innocuous little quizzes that seem to be floating by with increasing frequency....what college should you have gone to, what career should you be doing, what Broadway musical should you be in, if you could be a color of the rainbow what would you be, if you were an animal from the 17th century... If you are on Facebook, I think you know what I'm talking about.

Most of the time I will pass these by. Sometimes I succumb. This one intrigued me. I love colors, and I've always been interested in the different designs of doors. The source of this "quiz" also piqued my curiosity: www.connectiontocreative.com Now, when I tried the link, it was not working - perhaps, you'll have better luck. I did find their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/connectiontocreative, and I found that to be a fun, inspiring, "creative" place to explore.

What was my choice? Well, don't continue reading if you haven't made your selection yet as I wouldn't want to "spill the beans" if we happen to be the same...{{allow time for you to make your choice}}....{{go on...}}.... Ok, this was pretty easy for me as there was only one door that really "shouted" out to me, and that was door six. The color is my favorite, and that color combined with the door's classic and traditional styling made it the perfect choice for me. When I read the description for this door, it was pretty scary spot-on. Whoa!! Very interesting.

Which door did you choose? Or perhaps, more than one? Does the description fit you for where you are right now? Don't forget to "wander" over to www.connectiontocreative.com (hopefully will be working soon?) and www.facebook.com/connectiontocreative for more creative inspiration...or just plain procrastination ;)

WHAT DOOR WOULD YOU WALK THROUGH?
~ PERSONALITY TEST ~

Pick the door that looks the most appealing to you. This might reveal a few things about your personality. Let us know what door you picked and if the answer was accurate for you. Feel free to SHARE!

1 - You are a fun individual that likes to keep things light and airy. You are all about nurturing others and appreciating the simple luxuries in life; such as your fine dishware, favorite candle or eating artisan bread from the local bakery. You most likely have a love for traveling and other cultures. You truly want the best for everyone and love creating a welcoming atmosphere. It is important to remember that if you ever feel that you need help or support, it is OK to just ask someone.

2- You are clean and simple and don’t like any frills. You might strive to have a clean and perfect existence; but is it totally worth it? Don’t you feel that there is something missing? You are all about your personal achievements and you take pride in your work or career. Although you might be on track with your career path or have a few diplomas/ certificates on your wall, you need to spend more time on developing yourself as a person. Remember... the real you. Life is all about creating balance, surrounding yourself with color and creating memorable adventures. If you are finding that you have been taking the safe road lately, try veering off the beaten path. You might surprise yourself!

3 – It is obvious you are a quirky individual and very interesting to the people that you let into your life. You are good at many things... a “Jack or Jill of all trades”. You are an artistic individual that expresses yourself in many ways. You can make something out of anything and are not a stranger to your local thrift shop. You can basically make vintage “new” again. It is easy to get stuck inside the house or inside your urban bubble; but remember that you have to get out and connect with nature. It is time to come down out of the clouds and get grounded!

4 – You are an old soul that can be slightly dramatic. You are a very artistic person that loves to express yourself through writing, music, art or some kind of expression. You are a dichotomy; for you can be very open and friendly, yet closed and deeply private. You often have your guard up, keeping your thoughts and troubles to yourself. Although you might think that nobody will truly understand you, if you allow yourself to open up and share your feelings, you will feel so much better. Deep down you are not aright with any imperfections and you feel the need to come across as “the rock” in any group situation. Know that people are willing to share their feelings with you and want you to share your feelings with them.

5 – It is very important for you to fit in and feel as though you are a major contributor in every situation. You always have things going on, for being productive is what makes you feel at ease. Your busy-ness can sometimes cause the need for you to become more aware of what is really going on around you. What does your body want you to be doing? It is alright to relax on a Monday and simply just BE. Feel free to take some time to figure out what you really love to do. Possibly try some new hobbies or activities that are out of your normal routine. Explore being you, even if that means relaxing. Life is not just about how many muffins you can make in a single batch or how many fit-it jobs you can do in one day.

6 – You are a confident person with an eye for detail. You can come across as someone who is all together and exciting; yet you are just YOU on the inside. You care about your appearance and how the world sees you, yet the inside your home or car is probably a total mess! Your personality can be self destructive, for you could turn against yourself when the going gets tough. The life of a person who is a living a total contradiction... has got to be a difficult one. Remember to breathe and just relax. Life is not just about pleasing others. Truth is, the world isn’t always watching... Take time to reflect on who you truly want to be? What is it that you truly want to do?

7 – You are a simple minimalist that always has important things to do. You care for others and find your time anything but your own. You surround yourself with meaningful things, for you are very sentimental. Family and friends are very important to you and you would do anything for them. Not putting yourself first has made your life a safe and complacent one. What is it that can enrich your life today? What will make your life more colorful and enjoyable? Even though life gives you labels such as a mother, father, wife, husband, teacher, manager, etc; remember that your life is still YOUR life. Take a moment to decide what you want your future to look like. It is perfectly acceptable to want wonderful things to happen to you. Carpe Diem.

8 – Your fun and playful personality keeps you young and youthful. Although you are easy going, you tend to have lower self-confidence and anxiety about specific things in your life. You are usually unorganized; yet don’t even know where to start to help yourself to fix the messy problem. You are a proud individual but you need to learn to love yourself more. You need to take the time to find yourself through self expression. How are you currently expressing yourself to the world? Remember that there are people around you that can help you, but you need to let them know you are willing to receive help. Life is easier when you let people in.

9 – You are a quirky person that is always making things work. You are an amazing problem solver that prides yourself on your thrifty living. You like to live an uncomplicated life and usually get by with the basics. Why would you need anything else? You are very easy to please and love doing things for others. Whether it be fixing your neighbors toilet, building a bird house for your mother out of reclaimed wood or helping your friend find a great living room set at the thrift shop; you are always there to lend a hand. Remember that life is special. It is OK to treat yourself to amazing things. You are special too!

10 – You are one who truly appreciates stability and wholeness. You are a reliable person that takes pride in their love of quality and detail. Some might say “cookie cutter”, but you say dependable! You always know what you are getting because you have checked the consumer reports. You love safety and security in all parts of your life. You prefer not to have anything frivolous or extra, if you can’t see the use for it. Chances are you have some sort of creative side that you have curbed in some way. You might love scrap-booking, music or art; yet would never try to make it your career. You feel your problems are your own and nobody needs to be burdened with them. Just keep in mind that exposing your true self to the world (or your neighbors) is not a crime. We are all human.

www.connectiontocreative.com

One for the Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 17:18:00 +0000

I have seen a lot of winters {insert age jokes here} and in many places (Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Indiana - yep, moved a lot). And while I'm not saying this is the worst winter I've seen, I'm definitely ranking it towards the top -- I think it's an age thing. Yeah, I'll say it. It's an age thing. Cold, ice, snow, wind....repeat....cold, ice, snow, wind. Not doing it for me anymore.

So, yes, for me, this winter is for the birds. But, it really is for the birds. This picture, taken from two storms ago (and I've lost count on our total number of snowfalls this year), is at the end of our driveway where the wintry trees and shrubs are home to several families of cardinals. They will even stay put if we drive toward the garage slowly.

We have had our bird feeders out since the summer, but the winter activity has been fun to watch. This feeder is just outside our family room window, allowing us a close-up view, and to the right is a miniature evergreen where the birds often "hang out" between eating.

The two biggest challenges are keeping the feeders filled in the middle of or in between storms - here's hubby trying his best - and an ongoing battle with a family of black squirrels from our neighbors' tree. The squirrels seem to think we are feeding them, and at any given time, we may look out and see one of them clinging to the feeder and chomping away, spilling seed to the ground. Hubby will bang on the window - doing his best Clark Griswold or The Old Man Parker ("The Christmas Story") imitation - to chase them away...one defiant squirrel found itself the target of a tennis ball this weekend when it didn't respond to the banging window. :)

Of course, the birds still enjoy the feed either way - from the feeder or on the ground. But with this winter weather and greedy squirrels, birdseed is becoming a weekly staple on the grocery list.

If anyone has any suggestions for dealing with the squirrels, please let me know! We've tried WD40 on the pole and no, please, no guns. ;) Meanwhile, we'll keep feeding everyone, I suppose and wait for spring!

What's in YOUR Freezer?

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Fri, 31 Jan 2014 13:53:00 +0000

Yes, this is a picture of my freezer. Believe it or not, I have a "working knowledge" of what's in there. So I was prepared for hubby's question last weekend - "Hon, why do you have a shirt in the freezer?"

"It's not a shirt. It's my sweater."

"Oh, ok, so why do you have your sweater in the freezer?"

I went on to remind him of how when I bought this new cashmere sweater (my first and only cashmere - at a great sale price, of course), the sales clerk had told "soccer daughter" (who being with me had also jumped in on the deal) and myself about a "tip" she had heard from a woman buying another sweater earlier that week.

The woman had explained that she always stores her cashmere sweaters in the freezer. She folds them, places them in zip-lock bags, and puts them in the freezer until she needs them. When she wants to wear one, she removes it from the freezer and the bag, unfolds it, laying it out on her bed while she showers. By the time she's ready for the sweater, it is ready for her - looking fresh as the day she bought it. The woman claimed that this method keeps away moths, keeps the sweater fresh, crisp, and cleaner between dry cleaning.

Our sales clerk was careful to say that the store (you can see the label in the picture above - as I said, it was a BIG sale!!) wasn't endorsing the method, but that it was an interesting idea. Never having owned a cashmere sweater before this one, I'm giving the method a try - as long as there is room in the freezer, that is. ;) I'll keep you posted -- if you've had success (or failures) with this idea, let me know!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Mimi) — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 13:38:00 +0000

(photo by "soccer girl" several years ago - great shot and today, a promise of spring!)