{creating myself}

happy heart day!

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There is seldom I love more than photos of my artwork in someone's home.
Happy Valentine's Day, friends.
I love you :)

resolve 2011 : time management.

Resolution #7 : Time.

Who doesn't need a little help in the time management/BALANCE department?!
I feel like finding *balance* is the toughest goal of LIFE!

I try to spend my time wisely. To me, this means a good night's rest. Lots of scheduled alone/crafting time. Time spent helping others (work). Time with friends&family. Time taking care of myself.

2011 will be a year full of balance & grace.

I will spend more time doing all of the above. I'm considering spending one night a week on a friend date. My friends are pretty scattered, meaning I don't just have ONE group of friends, I have friends in several different groups! Lovely, but it makes it hard to spend time with everyone. So a goal of mine is to spend quality time with at least one friend weekly. Also, why not have a party so my different friends can all meet&mingle together? I'm excited.

I'm going to try to keep this in mind:
8 - 8 - 8

This means 8 hours for sleep, 8 for work, and 8 for personal growth&development. If we could keep this in mind, perhaps balance would be a little easier :)

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I've had a grand ole' time talking about my goals with you this week, but honestly, I'm glad to get back to regularly scheduled programming around these parts! THere's a lot I've been wanting to share :)

One more thing before I'm over and out...


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Stop waiting for things to happen to you and make a choice. Create an opportunity. I have faith in you :)

Happy 2011.

resolve 2011 : challenge.

Resolution #5 : Challenge Myself.
Every day, every week, every month. Challenge myself to try something new, step out of my box.
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Some of my future monthly goals include:
* turn my blog into a book
* organize camera, films, and photos
* take a night class
* send five letters/cards a month
* take a photography workshop
* read 15 books and review them
* volunteer somewhere great
* crochet a blanket
* maintain an art journal
* blow up a favorite photo & hang it on the wall
*see sugarland in concert

I don't want to ruin them all in advance! But the best news is, I'll be sharing my goals, completed or not, here on the blog! Check back here on the first of every month. I sure love reading about people's goal lists (see this post here.)

resolve 2011 : simplify.

Resolution #5 : Simplify My Life & Just Say No.
This is pretty much an ongoing resolution, a constant item on the bucket list, if you will. It's more about what I won't do than what I will do.

It's also probably the most difficult challenge on the list, because it's the least measurable goal. You literally have to practice this resolution with each fleeting decision that you make. I've already begun trying.
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This year I realized that I have a huge problem with saying "no".
Not to drug offers or unwanted sexual advancements, but to commitments.
I tend to just agree when I'm asked to do something, donate time and products, writing guest articles, etc etc. It turns out that I'm so flattered and honored to be asked in the first place (the request usually begins with, "We think you are so fantastic and love your work blah blah") I feel guilty, unappreciative and well, bitchy, saying no.
NOW.
and this is important.
This is not to say that I will ignore any requests for giveaways, volunteer work, or collaborative projects. I'm just saying that I can't do it all. I have to limit myself. Be a little more picky and choosy. The goal is to go from saying yes to 100% of requests to around 50% of requests.
Just until they invent that cloning machine.

So this year, I'mma make like D.A.R.E. and "just say no".

resolve 2011 : health.

Resolution #4 : Feel and BE Healthy.
Was this a give-in? Probably.
Honestly, I make it a daily goal to try to make healthy choices. I eat my fruits&veggies, I work out, I sleep 8 hours, and I take good care in general.

But I could do better. And that's why Day 4 is all about health.
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Most important... physical exercise daily. This doesn't mean an hour and a half session at the gym nightly, because sometimes this just isn't feasible. It could mean yoga, zumba (holla!), or some one-on-one time with my Jillian Michaels Shred DVD. For some reason, I'm inclined to write "or a 30 minute walk around the neighborhood". But I've never done this before and probably never will. That just doesn't sound like exercise to me.

And of course, a physical exercise plan should always be followed by healthy eating. My goal is to cut out most processed foods (I've devoted a separate blog post to good food ideas and substitutions to the crap that we tend to put in our bodies.) and to do more cooking, especially since I got a new crockpot for Christmas! I would love for you to share any crockpot recipes you have on hand.

And for a better form of measuring, I'll be weighing myself weekly with a goal of losing five pounds. Then another five. And maybe another, until I feel totally healthy and satisfied.

resolve 2011 : moneymoneymoneyMONEY!

Resolution #3 : Create the road to financial freedom.
Oh, yeah... hello CHALLENGE!

You were waiting for this one, admit it.
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This resolution is three-fold!

One, completely pay off Visa bill. Self-explanatory. Pay a certain amount with each paycheck until it's paid off.

Two, create and stick to a a Student Loan debt payoff plan. You don't want to know how much debt I've accrued after seven years of college. Oh yeeeah I forgot it was totally worth it because three degrees later, I'm a hot commodity and the job offers are pouring in. (NOT!!)
What I meant to say was that I'll find a rich doctor in my field who will kindly offer to repay my student loans for me. (NOT x 10000!!!)
So yeah, I need a plan.

Three, find a well-paying job. Without it, well the first two aren't possible. C'mon, hiring lords. We can do this.

resolve 2011 : style

Resolution #2 : Create and Manage My Style.
This one is a little more of a challenge than yesterday's resolution. While I already have a "style", I would like to evolve and manage it effectively.

What does this mean?

It starts with creating a workable closet. Basically, this means purging what doesn't work, assessing what does work, and remixing items to maximize use. There is an amazing series going on right now by Kendi Everyday... very inspiring for those looking to revamp their own closets or style.

Next, I've ordered this book, Daring To Be Yourself. One of my very FAVORITE bloggers ever, Syd of the Daybook, wrote about finding her style through this book and of course I have to read it.

In evolving my style, I also plan on simplifying it. Confused? It shouldn't take longer than a minute to choose my outfit in the morning. By simplifying my style, I'm expanding my options of remixing what I already have.

Oh, and bookmarking fashion blogs, articles, clipping magazines, collecting style and outfit ideas and keeping a fashion journal? Check! I've been doing this for years.

Lastly, let's bring back Playing Dress*Up! Yay :)

resolve 2011 : creativity

Welcome to Resolutions Week at Creating Myself.
Read more about it here... I'm ready to get started!
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Resolution #1 : Do Something Creative Every Day.
I'm starting off with an easy one, since I already try to do this every day anyway. And also, it's fun.
This doesn't have to take too much time out of my day. The goal is not to make a book or a painting daily... it's just to do something.
Some simple ideas for fulfilling this goal... take a photograph. Crochet a granny square. Make a card. Write one sentence in a journal. Try a new recipe.

Another idea is to participate in the Art Journal Every Day challenge. It's a really low-key and low pressure challenge that my friend Julie is hosting. I won't be doing this in ADDITION to my daily creative thing, but it's just another option. Read about it here if you're interested in participating.
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Are you challenging yourself in 2011? Link me up.
See you tomorrow!

merry!

merrychristmas friends <3

Resolve.

Whether you are a new reader or have been around since circa 2005, you are most likely aware of my obsession with goals. I like to make a daily goals list each morning (you may have heard of a "to-do list"?) I like to make a monthly goal list on the first of the month (read three books, go skydiving, etc) and it also appeases me to make a YEARLY goal list, aka...


(whoa, focal B&W made me look like I have two different colored legs!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

No seriously, New Years is probably my favorite holiday of the year. Not because of the crazy parties and 48-hour hangovers (because let's all admit it, partying on New Years Eve is always totally overrated). But because of the goals! The challenges! The fresh start!

I know what you're thinking. "But Amy, why can't you just start your diet today? Why must you wait for January 1st?" And the answer is, because it's cool.

I just love the idea of a whole new YEAR. For success. Inspiration. Clean slates. Forgiveness. First chances. Mess-ups. Second chances.

This year, I'm gon' celebrate. With a week full of resolutions. That's right. Why should I stop at one resolution? I'm going to up my chances of success seven-fold. You know, in case I forget about the first six by January 2nd.
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First, a little preface.
There are two types of goals that I will be addressing through my resolutions.

Broad goals will be written in black.
These are the types of goals & resolutions that are measurable only by the life changes they produce. Dreamin' big here, people.
Measurable goals will be written in red.
When psychologists write a treatment plan for a patient, we call these "objectives"... something we can use to tangibly measure progress.



The fun will last from December 26-January 1.
Join me, won't you ? :)

I'm guessing most of you who read have already received my Christmas (post)cards so I can finally share them on here (I like the magic of surprise this time of year!)



Last year, I made Christmas cards out of this design. This year, I wanted to switch it up a little. I started by looking through some favorite Holiday shots I've taken, mixed with my love of simple kraft postcards, and voila! A star was born.













The backing is just plain kraft paper, allowing me to write personalized and meaningful messages to all my favorite people.



I slipped them into clear plastic envelopes that I found at a LSS a while back. These are the same envelopes I use at shows when I sell postcards.
 I wrote the names and addresses right on the plastic with a sharpie!





I hope you like them, and if you received one in your mailbox, I sure hope it brightened your day! Happy Holidays, friends.

Tis the Season!

In the spirit of the holiday season, and the generous nature of my friend Kara, I wanted to share this amazing cause with you.

Kara put together a charity fundraiser selling postcards by six amazing artists. How pretty are these designs?

Read more about the cause here.

sales, discounts, giveaways... i'm so grateful for YOU :)

THANKSGIVING SALE!!!
Get 20% off your entire purchase, Thursday and Friday only.
Enter code BLACKFRIDAY in the notes to seller.
t h a n k  y o u . for your constant support :)





And in the Thanksgiving spirit, today seems like a good time to pull a winner for my "thank you" giveaway to all my followers and supporters.
Congratulations to Skye! yay! Enjoy your discount and thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving :)

happy day of thanks giving

***

what are you thankful for?

for me, it's family. health. feelings. love. inspiration. beauty. friends. faith. books. photos. fabric. my car. help. kindness. pumpkin.



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print available here

have a wonderful day and don't forget to give thanks.

What does Fall mean to you?

I see a lot of people in blogland writing about the start of Fall, November, pumpkins, etc. Fall is my favorite time... I post about it every year.

To me, Fall means beautiful breezy weather. It means muted oranges + yellows + reds. It's picking up the first multicolor leaf off the ground (just when you thought South Florida was void of change). It's back to school, it's the start of the holiday season, it's kindness + peace. My entire mood changes in the Fall.

It's socks + boots + studio time.



I've been spending the nights lighting this amazing Mulled Cider candle (smells like Mom's house on Christmas) and watching DVDs rented from the library and playing with paper.


I chose the candy corn mix for the candy dish because I hate it.


Mom sent me so many beautiful Halloween decorations and Fall-spirited love... my favorite is Mr. PumpkinOwl, or as we so lovingly dubbed him, Mr. PO.



I've been working on lots of things, and I'll be happy to share them in due time.
In the meantime, won't you enjoy this beautiful Fall? :)
As always, thanks for stopping by.

The Flag Still Stands For Freedom...

Yesterday felt like any other day. Actually, that's not entirely true. It felt like a holiday that everyone else was way more excited about that I was. What does excite me, is being an American, celebrating independence, and feeling safe & protected thanks to the thousands of soldiers representing our freedom.

One more thing that excites me...

cupcakes.




Frosted cupcakes with sprinkles.
Red, white, and blue cupcakes.
Cupcakes inspired by the Dainty Squid.

Amazing, no?















Aren't the dyes so beautiful?

Andi and I drove to Miami Beach to celebrate & watch fireworks with some friends...
turned out to be quite the lovely evening. :)

Hoppy Easter, lovebunnies!

Today is kind of a sad day for me, because my family lives in New York and I'm here in Florida, a little lonely.  I plan on spending some time with my good friend Mike and his family, though :)

Today has me thinking of my many blessings in life.  My family, friends, health, happiness, art, love.  Have a hoppy day! :)



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dear springfield,

please come quickly. i really want to shop, giggle, make crafts, and learn lots+lots about these girls.

 

 
 
 

 
 
we're celebrating this beauty's birthday:


 
click their photos to see their lovely blogs.

i'm not sure who else is coming.. please comment if you are!

springfield girls: what should i pack? warm sweaters and jackets? and what about art supplies? scrapbook stuff? yarn? please help! :)

The One With All of the Crochet.

I figure any post featuring a bunch of crochet will be lovely, no? Even if I am quite the amateur.  I actually kind of taught myself, with a lot of practice (this is my only advice.)  Anyway, I promised to share some of what I’ve been working on.


Here are some scarves + cowls I made.















… we later used Mom’s scarf as some tree trim. :)



This is one of my favorites… a handmade headband.  I was afraid that because it was tied in the back, it wouldn’t stay on Megan’s head all day.  But it looked beautiful and stayed perfectly in place for the several hours we were together.  I will be offering these in my etsy shop later this week. :)



Here’s a camera case I made for my cousin Pinky…





...and an iPod sleeve I made for my little sister.  She will certainly be the only girl in the eighth grade with this particular case.





This is my discombobulated granny square.  Which is obviously not a granny square. I guess I should really work on these.



That’s all she wrote crocheted.
She I now have carpal tunnel.


I better start working on Christmas 2010... :)

theee chelsea market.

I was born and raised in new york, but for some reason I’ve never made my way over to the Chelsea Market.  The other day, Mom, our friend Lisa, and myself took a day trip, and let me tell you, it was incredible!  So beautiful and inspiring… a mix between old fashioned architecture and modern typography + decor.  Here are some photos I took whilst falling in love. :)

(these are cookies!) i die over the i "gingerbread man" NY one.


this is a tree... made of cd's!!

last night was a hoot.

new years is one of my very favorite holidays.
resolutions, dreams, expectations, goals, promises, excitement... it's so beautiful!

if you want a place to record your goals, be sure to download the goal sheet i shared yesterday. i am still working on mine, because i've been too busy enjoying the holiday and having a lot of fun. case in point:






and my personal favorite...



ha! if you follow me on facebook or twitter, you know that my family reads like a who's who of the jersey shore. and i love them.

i dream that you all had a safe + happy new year's eve.
and i dream that 2010 exceeds your resolutions + expectations.

you can do it!

i really wanted to make a freebie for my readers...

the only problem is, i don't have a scanner here at my mom's. so! i made this cute-sy 2010 goal sheet, and took the best photo i could get. and i saved it as a PDF file for you! yes, i am becoming quite the technological wizard (ha!)  i hope the quality is okay for you... feel free to print as many copies as you like and to share it on your blog as well! i think it would be a great addition to an art journal/scrapbook/goal journal.

happy new year, dear bloggies. i look forward to a lovely evening of drinking + dancing, and of course, a new year full of inspiration. <33

Download 2010

P.S. i recommend printing on high quality cardstock. if you print it and discover that the quality sucks, i will be glad to scan the image next week when i get back to florida.

have a holly, jolly!

it's here! it's here!

i love christmas. i anticipate, i plan, i dream.

and then it finally sneaks up on you, and it's over in a blink. i plan on living today like i try to live every day: with love, graciousness, and of course, lots and lots of documentation. whether you celebrate by going to church, giving gifts, sitting around a fireplace telling stories, watching christmas movies, sleeping under the tree... can i make one suggestion? take a moment. take a photo. take a minute to tell them how much you love them. and take it all in.

i love you! xxo

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merry christmas eve to you :)

what an exciting season. :)

for those of you still catching up on last minute gifts and holiday ideas (me!) i wanted to share some photos of my own handmade christmas (so far at least!) possibly they will inspire you. :)

more on these handknit gifts later this week.



some merry christmas calendar gifts for my family.



some holiday cards, finally ready to go out. :)



am i the only one who hates decorating the tree?

some orders, ready to go out, and a photo of my christmas card.

a peek at my christmas wrapping 

thank you for reading. :D

hey! wait a MINute!

i just realized after posting all of those lovely holiday light shots that i failed to post my OWN christmas decor! photos taken before i left for new york. here is a bit of my home at the holidays:






(guess which door's mine?! this makes it very simple for my guests to find me). :)












okay, i'm done. :)

it's definitely christmas around these parts.

boxes everywhere, cookies baked, mom mumbling under her breath about how far behind she is with holiday prep (right now), nuni using a ruler to draw sketch lines on her christmas card envelopes, ensuring that the names + addresses are perfectly straight, we're snowed in (yay blizzard 09).. i would be happy about this but we missed our family holiday party today. :(
we just put up the tree and strung the christmas lights. we were watching CMT, but then i started singing this lovely tune instead. it makes me giggle every time.

speaking of gorgeous christmas lights:


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(i love this town.)


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as for me, i've written but not yet sent my cards. i've made some, but not all, of my gifts. i mailed a stack of orders this morning, but am still taking/making orders to ship monday. i've not yet wrapped anything, but have a good idea in my mind. and i'm furiously sketching ideas for my winter shop update- i'm in love with one of the items. let's just say it encompasses several of my favorite things including polaroids and glitter. lovee.


where are you on your holiday planning?

now that my fall decor is wrapped up + safely stored in its drawer...

and my christmas decor has creeped it's way into my home...

i can finally show some photos! :) i'm only doing this because i reallyreallyreally want to show you my christmas photos tomorrow. :)  here are some highlights of fall 09:

xo.

handmade holidays, part five.

a.k.a. my thanksgiving favors!

 

 

i made 4x6 prints of my thanksgiving canvas, framed them, and wrapped ribbon around them. it was super simple, but really cute + matched my mom's table settings perfectly (unplanned but not surprising).  i think it would be cool to emulate something similar for christmas favors. (click here for my holiday design.) you are welcome to make them yourself, but if you want some help or would rather take all the work out of it and have me make them for you, shoot me an e-mail. ;)

xo.

you asked, i answer.

does that seem like a strange name for a wish*list post? it's a running joke in my family that i create a massive wish list each christmas, and it's usually finished weeks in advance. it's not a serious list, it usually has a ton of items, most of which i don't expect to receive. this year, i didn't send a list to anyone because my mom santa is buying me a package at the salon where i will promptly have all body hair removed, beginning 11 a.m. tomorrow morning. also, i have so many blessings, most of which could never be an item on any wishlist, and all of which i am grateful for.

however, in the spirit of a fun post, planning for the holiday season, + entertaining myself, my family, and my readers, here it is. christmas wish*list, amy-style.

a supercool bed frame for my plain ole' matress + frame.

and while we're at it, we might as well decorate the bed with a purty one of these. (promise i won't paint on it, mom.)

and some stuff from this shop too. (wow.)

this dress, or anything ruche. (i've mentioned this dress + site before. there are always coupon codes to save 10 or 15%. google "ruche coupon codes".

i've been eyeing this sweater for a very long time. :)

this poster, i've been wanting for QUITE a while!

a  subscription to this tiny kit club.

this kit and lots more from rva. i love it all! :)

this print from my favorite etsy shop.

• some great training sneakers- i really don't know which ones to get but mine either fall apart with each step or are murderous to the foot.
• any one of these beautiful etsy finds here at one of my favorite shops. petal pushers,
• a massive registry at amazon, because "books, film + movies" are the new "toys".
• art supplies, yarn, paints, lace, paintbrushes.
• more time in a day.
• and i would be ridiculously happy with a gift card to anthropologie, urban outfitters, forever 21, aldo, amazon, massage envy, paper source.... you get the idea.

wow. that was fun. and time-consuming. but really fun.

i hope you got some good gift ideas for yourself. :)

xo, A