My first blog post of the year and long overdue! Happy New Year! I’m excited for the adventures ahead in 2017. How about you? I spent the holidays enjoying family and working on new projects.
One of the things I tackled over the past few months is giving my website a mini makeover. If you’ve stopped by before, you might notice a few new things. If this is your first time, welcome! The blog now sits front and center. That is the heart of my website and I wanted it to be easier to share and find. I’ve also added a “collaborations and inspiration” page, so that many of the beautiful projects from those that have so graciously shared their work with my lines are compiled in one place to enjoy. You can find that here (though it’s still a work in progress and I’m adding new look books in the coming days).
I’m also determined to start a regular newsletter to share new designs, upcoming products and giveaways. So please do sign up, if you haven’t before! My first newsletter of the year will be going out soon. I’d love to send a love note to your inbox, too!
Most new years, I have a long list of goals I want to accomplish. This year, I’ve squashed all that for a simple goal of living more mindfully. To tune in to each part of my day in a more meaningful and manageable way. I hope I’m not a alone in saying that, like many of us, life seems to be running at 90 miles per hour most days: is a mix of chaos and little people, dinner-making, homework, kid’s activities and all the little details of “real” life, like laundry and errands oy! – plus setting aside time to do the creative work that makes our hearts sing. I’ve started to more thoughtfully plan out my days and Google calendar has become my new best friend. Starting and stopping when my calendar pings me to do so takes some getting used to, especially when I’m on a creative roll. But so far, it’s helped. It’s helped me think about the 24 hours we are blessed with each day. It also reminds me to soak up more one-on-one moments with my children, and how quickly the days and years seem to pass by in the “rush” of living. I’m sharing a photo of my youngest son, Matthew, as it is reminder to me of these precious moments.
All he “really, really, really” wanted for Christmas was an ice cream maker. An ice cream maker!! And when Santa delivered it, he couldn’t have beamed any brighter. I’ve been spending time testing and sampling recipes with him without the usual rush of life. He’s become the most inquisitive little ice cream maker, chatting and learning and sharing his new ideas with all of us, even the dogs got a sample. I want to slow down and not miss these … moments.
A more simplified, mindful way is what my soul longs for this year. How about you?
I hope you’re off to a truly beautiful new year! Wishing you many blessing, vibrant health and adventures in 2017! xx Elea
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