2011 Word of the Year to Live By

HAPPY (belated) NEW YEARS!

ONE LITTLE WORD:
"A single word can be a powerful thing. It can be the ripple in the pond that changes everything"

For the past couple of years I have seen people follow the tradition of focusing their year on one little word. One word that you pick out each January – a word that you can focus on, mediate on, and reflect upon as you go about you daily life. I liked this idea since I have a hard time setting New Years Resolutions and sticking to them!

 I really WISH I were one of those women who set goals at the beginning of each year with a clear plan of how to accomplish each item with a spot to place a check next to it once it's been completed, but sadly, I am not. I am the type of woman who says, "I am going to stop eating sugar for the next 3 months," but after 3 hours sees a tasty looking piece of cake and forgets all about my new resolution because the frosting had toasted coconut on the top so how could I resist?! 
Sad but so true.

So, the idea of having to focus my year on ONE word was very enticing to me because it doesn't have sharp corners, strict boundaries and definite outcomes, it can mean whatever I want it to mean which = I can't mess it up right?

 Perfect.

After some thought over a cup of tea late at night last week I finally settled on my word for 2011. I choose the word SEEK. It just seemed appropriate. I know it's sort of an odd word to choose but it just popped up in so many areas of my life that when I finally settled on it the word seemed to kick off it's shoes and nestle on the couch in my heart so I knew it was the right choice for me.

SEEK:  "To try to get or reach, to try to locate or discover; to search for. To endeavor to obtain or reach. To go to or toward: To inquire for; request: seek direction, to try to endeavor: seek to do good, to explore."

In 2011 I want to...
Seek... new adventures of any and every kind.
Seek... a closer relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Seek... opportunities for new friendships.
Seek... travel adventures and new cultures.
Seek... to make my Book Club a place of comfort and friendship.
Seek... to excel in my Young Women's calling.
Seek... a closer bond with my family.
Seek... to become a mother.
Seek... more "date time" with my Husband.
Seek... to read at least 30 books.
Seek... to be less selfish and more giving.
Seek... to learn...and never stop.
Seek... to make my home complete.
Seek... a new job.
Seek.. to never stop seeking...

So many possibilities and so little time!



I ordered this necklace so that from now on when I wear it, it will remind me to:
 Seek after the things I want, to seek my Heavenly Father at all times, to always Seek the good in others, to Seek knowledge and opportunity, to Seek new possibilities and adventures and to Seek after the Kelly I hid away years ago.
I lost her for a time but I'm determined to seek her out and bring her back for good.





Do you have a word of the year?

 If so, I'd love to hear about it! :)

Watch our family ROCK this Christmas!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Etsy Find:Cafe Baudelaire:

Etsy is one of my favorite eye candy shopping indulgances and when I find a SHOP I like that I think is truly unique and delightful...I do what any other girl would do...

...I HAVE to share it with everyone!

Let me introduce you to Cafe Baudelaire

"Enchanting French, Shabby Chic, Regency, Vintage Style, Art Prints, Wall Art and Collectable Aceos. Luscious French Mannequins, Peacocks, Butterflies, Birds, Jane Austen romance and Marie Antoinette."

Wendy Patterson has over 25 years of design experience and creates each beautiful print "in house" from her home in Australia. 

*Enjoy!*

I adore these antique chair prints

Maybe a Marie Antoinette print is your cup of tea!
(Pun intended)  ;)

Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland fans will be delighted with Wendy's work!

Check out Cafe Baudelaire's shop HERE

Jasper

Jasper at 7 weeks old

I just realized that I've never blogged about our newest family member!

His name is Jasper and he is an adorable little pup with lots of love and energy.

He's an interesting mixed breed...basically he was a happy little accident with his mother being a 15 pound TOY Australian Shepherd and his father being a 55 pound yellow lab!

(I know, how did it happen right?!)

But it did happen and now we have this sweet little face waking us up every morning because he wants to cuddle with us!

Jasper now at 6 months old

I love his patch work paws!

PHOTO 1:
See how Jasper USE to fit in his bed?

PHOTO 2:
See how he WANTS to still fit in his bed?
(We bought him a new big bed but he didn't want to give his baby bed up!)

 The thing I find most entertaining about Jasper is how he likes to sleep.He is CONSTANTLY changing positions, moving this way and that.

PHOTO 3:
LOL, he finally realized he couldn't fit!

PHOTO 4:
Last attempt to fit

Love that fox like face!

Dear Lizzie Ladies Luncheon, yes please!

Here's the question I've been asking myself,

"How have I NOT gone on a girls luncheon to dear lizzie before NOW??"            

I think most of us have either driven by or heard of this amazing boutique and bistro located in Highland but how many of you have take the time to go explore the wonders hidden there?

How many of you have taken a day for yourself to have a "girlie get-together" with those girlfriends you haven't laughed with in a while as you nibble on scrumptious yummies from the bistro?

Am I selling you on the fact that I think you deserve a diva day for yourself yet?

Just tell yourself, "I deserve this." 

Because you do.

Every woman deserves an afternoon delighting in the wonders at dear lizzie. 

Here's the storefront that just invites you in with it's warm glow of feminine jewelry, clothing and do-dads inside.

Just a few of the delights waiting inside.

Hungry?  Well step on over to dear lizzie bistro and order yourself a scrumptious bowl of homemade soup with a fresh sandwich and side salad.
You won't regret it.

I wish my kitchen looked like this.
Seriously.

For all the girls who love to visit the candy store, look no further.

 

For dessert, make sure to try one of dear lizzie's famous cupcakes!

Thanks for the girl time ladies!
I think we should make our luncheon a monthly thing, don't you?

The Monster Mash Staring the Dearths!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

BOO!

 I LOVE HALLOWEEN!

I love the Costumes.

I love the Candy.

I love Spooky, creepy, macabre over the top themed parties.

I love the carved Pumpkins with their perfect soft glow.

I love the crisp fall air and the smell of dried leaves.

I love all the spiced ciders, wassails, caramel cupcakes, apple tarts, and pumpkin breads.

and I LOVE that everyone else seems to enjoy these traditions as much as I do!

(Right...?)

So when I got "Booed" last week by one of my anonymous sneaky neighbors, I was thrilled to see that others were getting into the Halloween spirit as well!

I decided to take a risk and blog about what I did to "BOO" two of my neighbors to keep the fun going!

(I don't think they look at my blog!)



I went simple this year and bought Pillsbury's boxed Halloween "funfetti mix."
To spice it up a little I also bought Targets Halloween cupcake decor set.



Here's the final result.

I thought they turned out pretty cute!

To finish, I wrapped up a plate of cupcakes with cellophane wrap and added a decorative Halloween Tag which I found here at eighteen25 if your interested in downloading them.
You can download the "BOO" sign here at TOMKAT studio.

There's also an adorable Booed sign here at WhipperBerry.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
Have you been Booed yet?