the man in the moon

Last week, my dad shared this advert will me and it is one of the most lovely clips I have seen in awhile. I couldn't think of a more perfect way to begin the Advent season, a season of joy, wonder, preparation, selflessness, giving, companionship and love.
There is no reason why we shouldn't treat Christmas like the most wonderful time of the year - because it truly is - but we should instead challenge ourselves to focus on sharing the wonder with those around us, including and especially, the ones that might not be so easy to reach.
I often wear myself out with planning my Christmas "must dos." Which movies to watch, the cookies to bake, the stores to shop, the Christmas notes to stamp, the outfits to wear, the gifts to buy, the list goes on and on. In the midst of all of the "busyness," I never get out of my own world and primary objective to make the most of my holiday. Of course, leave it to the advertising world to find the perfect story to totally pull my heart strings and inspire me for this season.
In this past Sunday's Second Reading 1 Thes 3:12-4:2, the passage begins with the following statement: "May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all."
What a tremendous consideration for the Advent season (that just so happens to go perfectly to this advertisement theme)... We are together in this world, for each other and for all. Wherever we may be, whether peering out a telescope or on the moon, how can we act together - for all - as we prepare for and welcome Christmas? Christmas is the arrival of life's joy, compassion, hope and really all that  is good in the world. Wouldn't you want to share that with everyone?
What can you do to celebrate the joy of Christmas this season?

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carrying blooms of joy

The past couple of months have been filled with a lot of changes. As some of you may know, I started a new job this spring. It has been an exciting, new adventure, but it has taken a lot of getting used to - and I still have a long way to go, which is intimidating, frustrating and somewhat defeating. While my new job is a professional advancement, there have definitely been a fair share of moments where I have felt totally and utterly overwhelmed. 

Stress is something I have to work on (just like the next person) and as I spend time trying to navigate my way through my new job, responsibilities and expectations, and what seems like an ever-growing project list, I am working on being happy, grateful and calm. 

Obviously much easier said than done. 

I do feel like I try and occupy my time with diverse and fulfilling hobbies, but despite my daily prayer journals, library frequent visitor pass, drawing classes, workday walks and a slew of other quirky side interests, I get trapped far too easily with the stresses of work - and life. Meeting expectations, forgiving myself when I make mistakes, questioning my qualifications, feeling like I am on the right track, etc. It's so easy to get caught in an anxiety-fused spiral which results in a stomach that feels like a waterbed, sleepless nights with dreams of looming deadlines, waning enthusiasm to be social and complete and utter exhaustion. Not fun. 

With the blue moon last week (but mostly a talk with mom), it kind of reinvigorated me to start focusing more on areas of interest and activities that will fill my soul in other capacities. Ideally, prompting me to destress, relax and celebrate the little joys. 

There are few things that evoke such a serenity of the simple things in life like a bushel of flowers. 

So wherever you may be and however you may be feeling, here's to finding the flower blooms and rays of sunshine!

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theskimm

In this world of easy access, news is no longer reserved for the morning paper or evening news. News outlets need to be covering stories and posting content 24/7. 

In principal, it's a good thing...but easier said than done. I try so hard to be up-to-date with the news. I watch the news, follow news publications on Twitter and Facebook, peer through industry newsletters multiple times a day, listen to NPR as I cruise around town, and try to be "in-the-know" of culture hot topics - entertainment, sports, fashion, etc. It's an uphill battle and, more often than not, I become exasperated in my attempts because I feel like I didn't learn anything at all. Anyone else with me??

The reality of 24/7 'news':

It's content overload.

 There is SO much information out there...articles, opinions, recommendations, contradictions, stories, and strategies. It makes my head spin. Some of it is a lot of the same and other times there are incredibly interesting stories - but they go in one ear and out the other. I feel like my brain is on autopilot and just zooms along picking up on certain buzz words or names, and then fails to process the actual message. 

Despite spending so much time trying to learn about what is happening in Iraq, the World Cup,  programmatic marketing, and the latest musician taking over radio-waves...there was very little I was actually processing. 

AND then, theSkimm came along. 

Early this spring, I heard about theSkimm, a daily newsletter targeting professional women who want to have quick, informative, and easy access to the guts of the news. It's all there, with a splash of charm. 

theSkimm breaks down the most important stories by providing background details, key players, and  why it matters. They read - you skimm. It's the one newsletter I make sure to open every day. 

The target audience is professional women, but it's enjoyed by both men and women. You get the real story, no stings attached, preparing the reader for any conversation. 

I find theSkimm to be the best way for me to stay informed, be topical, and feel professionally confident. It's the Wheaties for modern-day chicks! 

Getting news might not look like these images below - because, let's face it, we're scrolling through our iPhones/iPads before we get out of bed in the morning or on our morning commute. And, I am sure I am not the only one to admit that most of my scrolling is through Instagram...
The method may have changed, but the principal doesn't have to.
And, in case we need a reminder - smart is the new chic. 

Sign up for theSkimm today, I promise you'll love it!

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mix-matched moments

These pictures seem to capture my state of mind perfectly. Dozens of eclectic and whimsical chairs arranged, waiting to be filled with people and/or activities that are just as interesting and festive. 

I have found life lately to be  a constant search between the extrovert or introvert psychology. As much as I desire one, I seem to find equal comfort and peace with the other. I classify under both personality types - meaning I am energized by spending time alone and by being around others. Basically, I am a social butterfly who likes doing her own thing. 

I think it's a pretty winning combination, but I may be biased :) 

At this point, the pre-party set-up is exactly how I feel things are right now. There is no denying it's a beautiful view with all things aligned for a fabulous party, but there's  a calm and serene moment before the chatter, dancing, and celebration. 

Is it lonely? Sometimes. Is it desirable? Sometimes. 

I think, more than anything, it's just acknowledging and making the time for introspect. 

And so, for those quiet moments...

"Proper idleness is the soul's home base. Before we plan or love or decide or act or storytell, we are idle. Before we learn, we watch. Before we do, we dream. Before we play, we imagine...

I'm convinced that time spent idle makes for a healthier state of mind. We want less and are more at peace when we get it. We sleep better and work harder. Simpler things bring us joy. When we daily observe our immediate surroundings, we are more grounded in our context, more attuned to the rhythms of whatever season or place we are in... 

Plus, the changing shapes of clouds need our attention."

via: Kinfolk

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New Year Reflections

We had a wonderful time in Arizona visiting Scottsdale, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. The trip was full of outdoor adventures with hikes, sight seeing, and plenty of time taking in the beautiful surroundings. I hope you were able to follow along on Instagram to see a few snapshots of the Southwestern journey!

2013 was one of the most transformational years to date...and I am sure it won't be the last. It is hard to believe that I have been out of school for over a year now. Because I was able to finish school early, it presented an interesting start to the real world, and one I don't regret in the slightest.

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My 2013 was filled with travels. I went back up to college to run Kappa Alpha Theta's formal recruitment (behind the scenes) for a week in January 2013.  I spent two weeks on the East Coast visiting DC, Philadelphia, New York, and Connecticut. For those that did follow along during the Spring, you are probably well aware that I went on a trip to Europe spending several weeks in France, Holland, and Spain. I went to OWU for Graduation, celebrating with friends for the last 10 days of the semester. I had smaller trips to Kenneland and Indianapolis. And wrapped up the year with another trip to DC and then New York. Finally, I was the Southwest. Whew. It was quite an adventurous year! And I hope I can continue to foster my love for travel in the years to come!

Going through pictures of this past year was incredibly fun and I loved my quick video compiling my year on Instagram. I was definitely blessed!

On the flip side, I have had to get adjusted to being out of school, living back at home, starting professional life, and overcoming a couple months of sickness and recovery over the summer.  

Professionally, it was a lot of learning. For about 5 months I was working two part-time jobs and then working on the weekends at the boutique, I have been lucky to still spend my Saturdays still at Alligator Purse and I love the ladies I work with! I also had a couple of freelance assignments with Matchbook Magazine and Sheridan French. All provided wonderful experience, but I can't deny that it was challenging to be managing so many different positions and not be certain when I'd be stable with full-time work. Thankfully, this fall I was able to officially be a member of the full-time work force at a Cincinnati-based Public Relations and Marketing firm.

  I am fortunate to be part of the ArtsWave YP board (not as young as you might expect, I am definitely the youngest of the group), nevertheless, the organization has opened up many opportunities for me to connect with the art community and be a guest at a number of performances. In fact, I have been lucky to attend several events in Cincinnati this year from Luke Bryan concerts to Diner en Blanc, cocktail parties, and community yoga classes. I have reconnected with my high school to help create a young alumnae program...our first event is just in a couple of weeks! On another sphere, I have really enjoyed being able to go back to my parish and incorporating its weekly mass in my schedule. Even though I was able to go to church while I was at school and even traveling, it is nice to have a consistent time and place that I connect with.

My company is small, only three women, so it has been a bit of a challenge to connect socially, especially with people my own age. I was quite the social butterfly in college and always out-and-about. Now I spend a lot of time at home with my family and babysitting every so often. It's a different pace, but one I am growing to appreciate...just working on the proper balance.

All aside, I have so much to be thankful for this year - especially that I have a supportive family and many loved ones who are healthy and happy. 

With every year, there are always moments of reflection, appreciation, and room for improvement. As such, we give thanks and make resolutions as the New Year begins.

Here are a few resolutions for the New Year. These are just a sampling and held as recommendations that I believe can make me a stronger and happier person. But, I am also someone who believes that resolutions can start at any point during the year! So resolutions can definitely continue to arise :)

I bought myself the journal One Good Deed A Day. I hope to actively spread happiness in my life and others each day.
Before I go to sleep, reflect on each day - the bad, the good.
List the names of people that I am thinking about and praying for in a prayer journal. I have started doing this over the past year, but would like to do so more consistently.
Spend more time reading. I love books and hate that I spend so much time on my phone, rather than reading a book - especially before I go to bed!
Start becoming a bit more domestic. I love decorating and throwing parties, but when it comes to cooking and cleaning I fail epically. I received How To Cook Everything: The Basics from my aunt this summer and need to start cooking! Additionally, my room is frequently a disaster zone. Sometimes I even put a disclaimer on my door to ward my parents away....I wish I was kidding. That said, I need to organize my closet, try to keep my clothes off the floor, and actually get out the cleaning supplies more often. To make you (and me) feel better, my problem isn't being dirty, it's being messy -- there is a difference :)
Write more notes. I love snail mail and find that nothing is an easier way to show someone that you care, than writing a little note. This goes for birthday notes, feel better wishes, or just thinking of you sentiments.
Focus on healthy living. I have lost some weight since college, but it's not from me trying to be healthy. I want to do yoga more often, take lunch breaks by walking around the park or an evening walk in my neighborhood. I really love hiking and being outside. Granted Cincinnati doesn't have views like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone, but if I could spend more time outside, perhaps exploring more parks or trails. And it would also be nice to be more consistent at running...
I want to volunteer with local charities. I am still planning to work with the boards, but I am hoping to reach out to different organizations. In particular, I want to connect with the cystic fibrosis foundation chapter in Cincinnati, and volunteer at a soup kitchen and/or nursing home near work.
Incorporate more art in my life. I don't mean going to shows or museums, but actually exploring what art I can do. Maybe take classes, take a stab at painting on my own, pick-up the pen to start writing more often, the options are endless.
Make another year with adventures, trying new things, and doing things that I never expected I would.

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This is just a sampling, but most importantly I try to be the best person I can be each and every day.

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What are your goals for the new year? Any hopes for what 2014 will bring?

Wishing you a fabulous year and I hope I can continue to be a platform for inspiration on your journey, toodles!

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Labor Day

Happy Labor Day everyone!!

This is the first time since high school that I have had the day off. The life of a private college student... The weather isn't supposed to be too great today, but I am planning on tackling projects that have been sitting on my "to-do" list for awhile. I know, nothing super fun or relaxing, but it's great to just have a slow day with a relatively open agenda. 

What are your plans for the holiday?

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