In financial news...

I consolidated my debt last month and refinanced my car loan after much debating (and an offer I couldn't refuse). What this meant was a reduced APR on the car loan by one percent, reduced credit card APR rate at 0% for a year (which will save me interest while I pay everything off these next few months), and an easier online website and phone app to navigate. Yay!

On another related note, I was able to meet my goal of reaching $10,000+ in my 401k account!

Next goal...$1500 in savings. This is harder than it sounds!!

I can't decide...

...whether it is better to save for a down payment on a house...



















...or for a really, really lovely camera with lots of amazing lenses.



















Not that either would be happening any time soon, but today I'm just dreaming.

studio love

I am slightly obsessed with checking out art studio and design spaces. To me, it's a little like looking into one's soul because it reveals a lot about their personal style, their obsessions, their passions, whether they work best with organization or chaos, whether they work prescisely on one piece, act impulsively on many, or work on multiple pieces simultaneously. The list could go on and on.

My studio's wishlist would include:

large windows with plenty of natural light

painted cement floors

high ceilings with track lighting
multiple workspaces - easel, large sturdy table, tiltable drawing table, etc.
storage shelves galore for supplies and books
paper trays and maybe even an apothecary cabinet
a letterpress drawer for stamps and such
a thinking couch, probably one that's tufted
a good soundsystem since music can be inspirational

Ideally, mine would be, messy, functional, organized, and inspiring. Until that day when I can have an art studio of my own (and possibly even a library...I love those too), here are some pictures that make me very happy:

I also love the idea of this interactive wallpaper by Taylor & Wood for Graham & Brown in a studio.

Maybe one wall of this wallpaper and another that's black chalkboard painted.

I can just imagine the endless possibilities...

my enneagram

I've had a difficult time this week brainstorming what to write about next following that last post. This could very well be an instance where I'm overthinking something very simple, but I've been trying to figure out that fine line between servanthood to others and bettering one's self. I'd like to be more involved with helping other people. I wish I had more money to give, more time to donate, and more of a voice for the voiceless. Yes, I've taken the occassional dog-sitting, pet-sitting, house-sitting, house-cleaning gig, but I mean something a little more intense that requires more effort on my part. It's been since last year's Nashville flood and the following flood relief efforts that I really felt like I could make use of my time to help other people in need (this, in large part, because of the generosity from work to let us help others during work hours). During that process, I felt like I was living a good example of what we should be doing day to day. Shifting towards the opposite end of the spectrum, I also feel it's important to strive for personal growth as well. Are the two really opposite ends or do I just struggle with feeling that way when I think about how to become a better person? Can the two be co-productive?

This week on Shauna's blog, she wrote about the nine different Enneagrams. As I read through the categories, I discovered that I am a type four (with type five variation). This explains quite a bit about my personality and tendencies!

You can check out more detailed information on her blog link above, or by clicking on the icon below:



On the Enneagram Institute's website there are recommendations for each type that encourage personal growth. In summary, the recommendations for a four inlclude the following:

Don't rely on emotions. Hmm...dramatizations are highly possible in my world. From an unnamed source, I have been noted to have two extremes: things are either really good or really bad. I think this is mostly true, with a huge unmentioning of the inbetween (which is probably the majority of the time) that is the laid back safe zone. I could stand to remain more often in the middle-high range :) Noted!

Commit to productivity. Suddenly I'm remembering Sean's birthday artwork from two years ago that has yet to be finished and the family recipe book that took two years to complete!! This one can definitely use some work! I have a huge list of unfinished art projects to start/complete and books to read!

Elicit positive experiences. I have done this lately with food and friendships, and I'm going to keep striving for more of these.

Practice healthy self-discipline. This is especially difficult because of the motivation factor behind the productivity reccommendation above. I have high hopes for running and getting my finances in check, but there are many, many lapses!

Live life, rather than just imagining it. This is funny...and true! I have quite an imagination and can entertain myself with exaggerated humorous situations and sometimes don't notice the isolation in doing so.

I found this very enlightening!! What enneagram are you??

Ephesians 1:11 (The Message)
11-12 It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.

This is true, whether we may be a one, four or nine! I can guarantee that not all twos are the same. We are each created differently with a unique purpose. I feel challenged to use who I am, what I know, and work on those things (mentioned above) that may need a bit of tweaking in order to fulfill my potential.

the question I get asked most often at work...

...by far, is, "where was your desktop background picture taken?" While I knew it was some place in Italy, I wasn't exactly sure of the name. All I knew was that it was someplace I'd like to go, and I use it to take a mental vacation every now and then (well, not really, but that's a nice thought). So I decided to do some research.

















photo by Tony Helsloot

It's a place called Manarola, Cinque Terre, Italy...and isn't it beautiful?

The second most often asked question is probably a close tie between, "what are you doing for lunch today?" and "what do you have against wearing socks?" :)

financial freedom

...This is another dream of mine. For one, it's not healthy to stress over finances. More importantly, it limits what God has called us to be able to do, namely serve others, and is not how He intended us to live.

I've been working on this for several years, and each year have made a little progress. With school and car loans paid off, that leaves the other giant known as credit card debt. Who knew these would be just as hard or harder than the larger balance loans?? Still, I feel hopeful and determined that I can tackle it this year.

There are plenty of valuable articles and resources available online to help with the process. I like using mint.com for creating a monthly budget and sticking with it. Before setting a budget, I found it was helpful to take a retrospective review and comb through six months of expenditures, categorize all spending, and figure out where the money was actually going. At this time last year, I discovered that the majority was going to car repairs, vet bills, and food...not to mention the random trips to Target and Walmart that were uncategorizable (if this is such a word)! I had to better plan for those occassions so that they wouldn't end up a part of the never-shrinking credit card monster. To help with food cost, I decided to eat out less, set a monthy grocery and dining budget, utilize coupons every now and then (though I have not gone as far as studying the fine art of couponing), and online shop for pantry items. Alice.com offers free shipping on all orders, combines offers with coupon deals, and will even send reminders of when you might be low on an item.

When moving last year, I was able to sell quite a lot of unwanted furniture, electronics, and media on craigslist.org, at McKay's, and Ms. B's Used Books. This wasn't incredibly rewarding, but it meant less to move and freed up space in the new place. The downside was that I felt the need to replace, fought the urge as best I could, and did not win that battle!

Avoiding clothes and home goods shopping is doable for me. I simply don't have the space. I've had to ask myself many times, "Is this a necessity?" and more ofthen than not the answer is, "no." I struggle with my desire to want a morning latte and to eat out. Lattes are such a treat...and supposedly have less caffeine than coffee (just enough to start off my day). While I do enjoy cooking, it's hard to manage portion size and eat leftovers quickly enough. I'm still working on these last two.

Progress has been made in being able to balance my checkbook. In the past, I solely went off my online bank account and never balanced my checkbook. Then I heard someone tell me, "If you don't manage your money, your money will manage you." It has really helped to keep me in check. I tried carrying cash at one point, but that was difficult to stay organized and track where it was going.

The method for paying off credit cards has been to focus on the smallest balance first and then take that payment and add it to the next until they're all paid off. It just so happens that the smallest balance cards have the larger interest rate so it worked out better that way too. I heard initially to pay the minimum on all the other cards while focusing on the one. Recently I was told that your credit score reflects the payments you make, so if you pay anything above the minimum, it will show that you pay more than the minimum...even if it's only 5 dollars. I only have four cards with balances, and one on the verge of being paid off (Friday!) so I'm not talking 20 or anything. Still, it's a good way to make goals and feel like I'm making some progress at least. Another two will be paid off next month!

I'm excited to accomplish this goal!

so ready for springtime cheer...

The salt trucks are out once again, which can only mean one thing: there is likely going to be more snow. That or Nashville is being a little over-precautious. I can only hope for the latter. I am so ready for spring...




































































































































1. Up Top by honeytree on etsy
2. Ruffled dress by LC Lauren Conrad
3. pink frosted cake
4. Gatekeeper: Sunset Balloons
5. wall paper by trove
6. peonies
7. oil painted hydrangeas
8. Ruffled cream umbrella

new beginnings

I must admit, I have a pretty amazing birthday. I get to start each year off thinking about the prior years in review as well as plans for the upcoming year…all with a little celebratory fireworks, noisemakers, perhaps a Happy New Year tiara, and parades.

In years past, there was a lot of speculating what I’d like to see happen and what I’d like to expect in the upcoming year. Last year and this year, I’ve changed that up just a bit with what things that I enjoy that I’d like to do in the year and how I can make the year count, not only for myself but for those I love and care about. The overall themes I'm planning for the upcoming year are to enjoy life, try to enrich myself with things that are important, and to make a difference. I’d say last year was a success…and I’m looking forward to 28.

Here’s my carryover list from last year's New Year’s “resolutions” and a few new ones:

1. Take more photographs.
2. Read a new book each month. Don't buy any new books until one is finished.
3. Plan a special mother-daughter event. Maybe we can do a trip to Chicago...
4. Take my dad out to breakfast each month.
5. Learn to play the piano.
6. Take a trip somewhere new. This year I’m thinking of possibly going to Savannah or Charlston with the roommates.
7. Try a new recipe each month.
8. Throw a dinner party.
9. Host a girl's night.
10. Treat myself to one thing each month.
11. Paint at least 4 paintings.
12. Complete an art piece for Angela.
13. Draw a picture of Charles and Jen from their wedding.
14. Start journaling and/or blogging and update semi-often.
15. Stay consistent with devotionals. Go through a study. Dedicate a time.
16. Try to stay positive (be less critical, stressed, or overwhelmed).
17. Be more organized.
18. Eliminate debt by year end 2011.
19. Make conscious health decisions. Drink more water. Eat healthier. Floss daily.
20. Exercise regularly (6 days a week) to avoid getting sick. Do a cardio activity at least 3 times a week.
21. Make a habit of getting more sleep at night.
22. Be more social. Attempt to find out at least one new thing about someone every day.
23. Smile at strangers and make eye contact. Smile more in general.
24. Learn to be punctual.
25. Send out cards to friends/family more often.
26. Find a service project to get involved with (womens clinic, homeless clinic, humane society, etc.).
27. Donate blood.

I'm excited about what 2011 has in store for me!