just one stroke

Have you ever stared at a blank page with the intention of sharing something on your conscious, perhaps something you think could make a difference in another person's life - except you have no idea exactly how to put your thought into words? I have, without question.

Why is a blank page or any blank slate for that matter, so intimidating? I can't answer this question for everyone but I think I know why I struggle to type the very first characters that will ultimately compose the first sentence. As a struggling perfectionist, I'm much more comfortable with the certainty that the blank page offers. I feel the exact same way about a blank canvas and the first page in a brand new sketch book. A blank slate is white and clean. It's a new beginning that offers endless possibilities and promise. The sky is the limit - no, really. With zero letters on the page and nil strokes on the canvas, you're free to choose the direction of your very own creation. For me the toughest part, without question, is getting started - especially when I suspect (or know) that my first sentence or stroke may not quickly translate into the perfectly polished final product that I so desperately desire. I know that the minute I take the leap and begin creating, I could mess up. For me, this fear can be paralyzing and discouraging but each time it happens, I try to remind myself that artists paint layer upon layer to create textural compositions and writers unfold plots and reveal character development throughout each page of the book. As such, the success of a book isn't necessarily determined by the author's first draft. Sure it's great if the first draft is engaging on the first try, but there is room for imperfection in the process of creating and WHEN we simply get started with a big idea, even if we start on the wrong foot (so to speak), the result of our momentum will likely be more intriguing to our creative spirits than the missed opportunity of a blank canvas.

The truth is, I struggle with getting started on ideas everyday. Consider this a note to myself, and you as well. I hope this post encourages you at a time when you find yourself in front of a daunting blank canvas. You can do it. We both can.

beyond the paper

For many of us, yesterday was the last day of our low-key, pajama-filled winter break and today we return to our typical routines, our '8-5' work schedules, school night bedtimes and regular exercise regimens. If you're lucky enough to have time off to celebrate the holiday season, then perhaps you found yourself wrapping gifts for loved ones. One of my favorite activities of the year is wrapping thoughtful, carefully picked gifts, while Holiday movies play in the background and the reflection of tree lights dance along the floor. While wrapping gifts this year I lit the soy evergreen candle that my sister, E, so thoughtfully gave me a year ago. Her desire to craft something by hand and pick out individualized containers to hold these olfactory treats helped me see beyond the gifts themselves.

They are more than money and time spent - they are gifts from people who love us and who we love. While the gift itself goes beyond the fun paper and pretty bow; wrapping gifts for loved ones is an opportunity to flex our creative muscles. It's our chance to think beyond the paper and incorporate elements that can be used long after the last bow is untied - like cookie cutters. Why not?

Creativity comes easily when it's rooted in love. So as we return to the 'real world' again, it's my hope that we'll all continue to remain light-hearted, and make time for the things that are important to us. In my case, that's choosing quiet mornings, creating with my hands and getting outside. In fact, I'm going to pencil in creative time each day to help me reach my longer term goals. I've learned that I'm most successful when I stick to a slightly flexible routine and commit to chipping away at my big ideas, little by little. Maybe you're this way too? In case you are, I'll be cheering you along.

gift wrapping inspiration

This holiday season has been different for me. For the past five years I've worked retail during the holidays, in addition to my day job. While I appreciate the sacrifices those who work crazy hours during the holidays make, they are indeed sacrifices. At times it was difficult to find the joy of Christmas when watching people fight over parking spots, push their way to the front of lines, and taut off not-so-nice things to those working day and night. While I enjoyed helping others find thoughtful presents for loved ones, I'm grateful to spend this holiday season reflecting on all that I have and spending more time at home. I've even started a gratitude journal, which has been really great and helped me focus more on what I have and less on things I want. Fortunately, this season I have been able to really embrace the holiday spirit and with that, I've rediscovered my love for wrapping gifts.

Don't get me wrong, I've always love wrapping presents. It is so rewarding to give and even more so, to take care in every little detail of the gifting process. For me, this means picking out thoughtful gifts and making them look pretty by personalizing the package to suit the person who will open it on Christmas.

My style has always been a little different. I've been using kraft paper for years, even though my family didn't really get my simple and natural approach to gift wrapping. Luckily, others have embraced kraft paper and invented creative ways of using it to create amazingly simple, yet beautiful, gifts.

Over the last several weeks I have found lots of inspiration: via Penny Paper Co, here via artifact uprising, here

I have compiled my favorite wrapping inspiration here.

01  herringbone ribbon - penny paper co 02  merry and bright stamp - lindsay letters 03  fresh fir + red berries - No purchase necessary. Trim a little fir off the base of your tree. You just might find berries outside of your stoop. I did. 04  square prints - artifact uprising 05  tags - penny paper co 06  cotton drawstring bags - penny paper co 07  bakers twine - knot & bow 08  blossom wrapping sheets - rifle paper co / kraft paper - the container store 09  gold washi tape - minted 10  gold + translucent take out containters - container store

I hope to use these wrapping elements to craft thoughtful presents for loved ones and share the result with you just before Christmas. Stay tuned!

modern thanksgiving tablescape

Lately I've been trying new recipes and, for a brief moment, even considered hosting a modest Thanksgiving meal at our home with friends. While our holiday plans have changed a bit, it hasn't stopped me from researching alternative recipes or daydreaming about decor for our very own celebration in the not too distant future. Below I've compiled some inspiration for the perfect Thanksgiving tablescape.

1 string lights  by onefortythree  |  2 large beech bowl by wind & willow home via brika  |  3 small beech bowl duo by wind & willow home via brika  |  4 bubble beverage dispenser via anthropologie  |  5 stripe napkin by ortolan organic  |  6 almoco flatware via design within reach  |  7 bergamo cookware via anthropologie  |  8 pair of breakfast cups via folklore  |  9 tipped writing desk via folklore  |  10 blogger Oh Joy apron collaboration by hedley & bennett | ruby's children apron by hedley & bennett

Here's a glimplse of last year's set-up.

What inspires your holiday tablescape?

for the gentlemen

Yes, I realize that it's barely September and hardly time for holiday gift giving but here's the deal. Just when October comes to a close and pumpkin lattes are being pushed aside for eggnog, I unexpectedly lose my ability to hand pick well-designed goods for loved ones. As such, I'm proactively creating a visual reminder for myself, as well as you - of course - just in case you need a little creative boost at the last minute. Just in case.

01 | night sky edition notebook by field notes | this pocket-sized notebook is easy enough to take on the go for jotting down big ideas and even serves as a refresher course for all of your favorite constellations.

02 |  cocktail mixers crafted by white whale | cleverly named and ready for mixin'. blended with exotic juices and garden fresh herbs, these mixers will certainly delight the palate. cheers! *

03 | mason shaker by W&P Design featured on west elm | perfect for the southern gentlemen or mason jar aficionado. for best results, fill to the brim with well seasoned cocktails or fresh squeezed lemonade, with a sprig of mint.

04 | red + blue bow tie crafted by high cotton | stripes are classic and timeless. luckily this brand has you covered with bow ties in a range of colors for dressing up or down. *

05 |  wood block + prints crafted by artifact uprising | select 12 of your favorite memories and display these thoughtfully chosen prints in a beautifully handcrafted block, made of reclaimed wood.

06 | bottle cap cuff links crafted by hazel cole | what better way to celebrate your guy than with cuff links, made of bottle caps from his favorite cold beverage. cheerwine or a locally crafted brew; either will do. *

07 | food-of-the-month club artfully curated by mantry | subscribe your favorite foodie fellow to the modern man's pantry and he'll stay well-versed on  the best american artisan foods.

08 | beckett glasses by warby parker | help your gent see the world in style with spectacles from warby parker's growing collection. When you purchase a pair for your loved one, you'll also gift a pair to someone in need. To read more about WP's global campaign to DO GOOD, visit theirsite.

09 | this land is your land tee crafted by clyde oak | handmade with 100% North Carolina grown cotton, so you know it's grown with love. *

* denotes locally crafted items.