The Deliberate Life

Be True

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.

Dr. Seuss

In a word full of mass-produced everything, there is one thing that isn't -- you. And what a gift that is to yourself, and to the world.

(Currently working on a gift for the person who constantly inspires me to be true -- to myself and to others.)

How to make a cupcake even cuter ...

Step 1: Make it tiny!

Kevin surprised me today with this wee little red velvet cupcake (my fave!). Someone at his work brought them in and he was kind enough to grab an extra one for me. Little simple things like this absolutely make my day.

Today was a really good day, in fact. I'm extremely busy with work, but I love it and that makes all the difference. It was also the first day for sign ups for Elise's online workshop. It's my first time taking one and I'm super excited. I'm a big fan of Elise's work and style (it reminds me of my own, or what I would want my own to be), and I love that for the workshop she is using supplies that most people already have on hand. Plus, my very best friend from high school and college will be taking it too, so it will be fun to reconnect even more over the experience. I'm such a lone crafter that I really get a thrill out of sharing the experience with others.

Speaking of Elise, I took her idea for "A Card a Day," and began today. The premise is simple: decorate a playing card a day. The playing cards fit nicely in a baseball card album, so at the end you will have a great book to flip through. It takes little to no effort, but it really made me feel good that I created something today. In honor of beginning this challenge, I used Jenny's favorite word: begin.

Begin ... such a simple word, but it packs a big punch. Sort of like how I hope I live my life.

Christen finally finished what she started. What?

Semi-success! I took my own suggestion last night and painted some bright green faux bois on the wee little plaque, but then today at work I was thinking about it and realized it needed more. But what? Antlers! Like the rest of the crafty community, I love all-things woodland, especially critters with antlers.

Yep, I know it's crooked. Apparently my invisible lazy eye kicked in. Oh well! I still like it. The one problem with the tiny plaques is that they have no hanging apparatus. I'm thinking about getting some thick ribbon and using a staple gun to affix it to the back of it. All in all, I'm happy because I saw it through to the end.

And I got the best surprise in the mail today!

This adorable coffee cozy was made by the super talented Cara. I tried to convince Kevin to bring me some Starbuck's when he comes home just so I could use it, but I don't think that went over so well. Oh well! You can bet I will be getting something warm and delicious tomorrow so I can show off this cuteness.

Kevin's at his monthly homebrewing meeting tonight, so I'm enjoying a little time with myself. I considered going to work out, but I walked an hour at lunch today. So instead I'm curled up on the couch watching some girly things. A little quiet time is nice.

Completely Spoiled

As mentioned before,Thanksgiving marked the big 2-7 for me. I was blessed beyond belief with too many presents that I appreciate so very much. It is so nice to have people in my life who really get me.

This duo of prints was given to me by my friends and co-workers Amanda and Michelle. I'm a huge fan of all-things Wes Anderson, especially The Royal Tenenbaums. I was given a number of prints (which I will share for my next post), and I'm envisioning these over the couch as the center of them all. They really are just too delightful for words.
    I was also surprised with a gift card to Anthropologie for my birthday. I was tempted to use it on different presents for family members, but realized I needed to keep it for myself. Sometimes you have to be selfish ... especially when it involves Anthropologie. I mean, just the bag makes me happy!