January 2, 2014

12 New Years Resolutions for 2014



I'm not sure about anyone else, but I'm extremely excited for 2014. I feel that it will be the year of good karma. 

Not to put any shame on 2013, but as my boyfriend put it best, it was a transition year. I've transitioned out of an old way of thinking into a new way of being true to myself. The search for the dream job may be over, at least for now, and I've decided to make up my own. A little scary, but what better time then when you're 24 and have the world at your fingertips? 

As I proceed into 2014, I have given myself a little challenge: Twelve solid resolutions, one for each month, that I will revisit publicly on this blog. As the end fo , I will report back with my progress and some tips that I've learned along the way. (Note: This isn't the first time I've given myself a challenge, however I plan to make this the first time I truly follow through!)




I have to say, I'm spoiled with a delightfully large bedroom, however, I cannot seem to get the layout right - something always feels off. I plan to introduce concepts of Feng Shui including layout, color and placement of objects in order to bring the right flow of energy to my bedroom.


I always have this feeling that there must be something else I can do and to be honest, it gets exhausting. Introducing 15 minuets of meditation to my daily routine is a perfect way to slow down, clear my thoughts, and breathe.




Back to the dream job challenge! Over the past few years, I've watched one too many business ideas catch dust in an old notebook. If there is one thing I do in 2014, this will be it.


I have a horrible habit of getting very excited to read a book and then putting it down after the first two chapters, never to pick it up again. In a sense, I'm only "half-learning" which leads to frustration when trying to communicate what I've read. Instead of buying every interesting book that comes my way, I'm plan to make a conscience effort to choose wisely and flip every page.


The House of Emerald is something I've dreamed about since my senior year of college. The blogging world has been a way for me to develop a voice, seek my passions and discover countless individuals and businesses doing great things. Some of my small goals are to do one crafting post a week, link all social media outlets flawlessly and keep up with my resolution progress.


Receiving a NutriBullet for Christmas is a blessing in disguise. I'm one who doesn't believe in a diet but a lifestyle change, however it's easier said then done. In order to reach my goal I plan on adding good things into my diet rather then abruptly eliminating whole food groups. Starting off with a nutrient rich smoothie is a great way to set the mood for the rest of the day.


About a year ago, I decided that I was going to become a tea drinker. I never, and I mean never, liked tea. After constantly reading about the benefits of calming herbs and caffeine with no crash I knew it was time to introduce tea into my life. Every night I plan to wind down with a soothing cup of chamomile tea.


Spending time immersed in nature is truly rewarding. Unfortunately, I don't make enough of an effort to take advantage of my beautiful surroundings, the Hudson Valley. I'd like to walk or hike outdoors, in places new or old, at least once a week.


As I've become more aware of my diet and what I put into my body, I've also become aware of the fact that I don't spend enough time in the kitchen. I'm always rushing myself around, choose convenience over a proper meal and end up making poor food decisions. I'd like to start small with one new recipe a week, whether its salad dressing or roasting a turkey breast.


There is no better feeling then making something yourself. I always loved art class because at the end of the year or semester, you were able to take a step back and look at what you created. You didn't have words on 10 pages of computer paper stapled together. You had color, texture, subjects, hidden meaning and unique materials all wrapped into one. I'm sure people could argue the same for written materials, but not me. I want to make one new piece of art a week.


If I had a nickel for every time my father told me about the things I could get done if I only work up earlier. Ten years later, I finally know what he's talking about. I plan to rise earlier every day, even if it's just to have a slowly paced start to my day.


As I started this post, I mentioned that I believe 2014 will be the year of good karma and staying positive is a key factor. Everyone has their challenges, but remember, you get back what you put into the universe. There is always a new day (hopefully) and there is always something to be grateful for. I plan to put good vibes into the world in 2014.


What makes me proud of these resolutions is that there is no elimination. You hear so many people say things like they won't drink, or they won't eat bad food, or they won't watch so much TV. I've made plenty of resolutions like that and they always fail. While there will always be suffering, follow the basic teachings of karma and realize that by adding goodness, only goodness can come.

Happy New Year!

December 29, 2013

Handmade Holiday: Monogrammed Wooden Key Chain

About two years ago I found a great piece of wood on the side of the road. The branch was just recently cut from a tree in a neighbors front yard and was perfectly round. Obviously, I had to drag it home. My boyfriend and I cut it up into tiny, one and a half inch circles and they've sat in my crafting closet ever since. I knew one day I would have a brilliant idea.
That idea finally came just about two weeks before Christmas.


Last year I handmade every gift, from refinishing nightstands to rounding out vintage spoon handles into rings. This year I sadly didn't have the time.

I couldn't let the holiday go by with just a bunch of store bought gifts, so I began digging through supplies. I came across a little bag filled with circular wood cuttings and knew it was finally time to put them to good use!

Read below for a list of supplies and step-by-step, pictured instructions.

Supplies:
-Wooden circle cuts about 1 1/2 in. in diameter and 1/4 in. thick 
Note: It's always a good idea to let freshly cut wood dry out for sometime. Never cut a branch from a living tree, there is plenty of dead wood to be recycled!
-Wood burning pen 
-Fine grit sand paper - 150 or higher 
-Power Drill with a 1/8 in. drill bit
- Light pencil for sketching
-Wood Stain - I used Minwax Golden Oak
-Triple Thick Clear Brush-On Gloss Glaze
-Small 1" Paint Brush
-10mm & 12mm Jump Rings
-20mm Split rings



While it might not be the most enjoyable process (my hands cramped up a few times) always take the time to sand. You will be happier with the end result 100% of the time.


Make sure to keep a firm grip on the piece you're drilling into and use high speed. Slow speed and weak grips cause for dangerous drilling and warped holes. 


While you could use stencils, I sketched out my letters to keep a purely handmade look. Be light with the pencil as it was extremely hard to erase dark lines on such light wood.


If, like me, wood is one of your favorite materials to work with, purchase a wood burning pen. I bought mine at Michael's a few years ago and have gotten a lot of great use out of it. Most kits come with a few different tips to allow you to get as detailed as you like.


*Let air dry for 24 hours*
I decided to go with a lighter to medium stain so it wouldn't blend in with the burned letters. All you need is some clean, cut up t-shirts to apply. 

Note: Test, test, test! I had a few leftover pieces and testing the stain on them saved me from using something way too dark.


*Let air dry for 24 hours*

This product was an amazing find. I've used it on all types of surfaces and it never lets me down. An alternative option would be to use a Polyurethane or Polycrylic finish. While both great options, they would have required numerous coats to achieve the finish I was looking for. Triple Thick gave it to me with one coat and a less then 24 hour complete drying time!

Note: When it comes to any stain or finish, always read labels for proper drying time an adhesion instructions.


Note: To Open and Close Jump Rings: Use two flat nose pliers and twist ring, one hand rotating towards you, the other rotating away from you. Never pull open as this weakens the metal and can cause an odd shaped ring


On Christmas morning I decided to give out the key chains before anyone opened up any gifts. It was great because it reminded me that Christmas cannot be bought in a store. You don't have to spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars to light up someone face. 
All you need is some heart and soul. 

December 3, 2013

Birch Obsession


Latest issue of Elle Decor:


The walls of this gorgeous house in Aspen are lined in a birch veneer. 
Obsessed.

Best Before

Today I heard about something call "The Death Watch". At first, the thought of a watch that counted down the days until my life expired gave me a bit of anxiety, but the more I sat with the concept, the more I realized I might be it's perfect candidate.



For those who know me very closely, you could describe me as someone who has a lot of ambitions, but doesn't always follow through with them. (I'm working on changing this, I promise) How many more thing would I accomplish if I had a constant reminder of the little time I have left? 


Alain de Botton's Atheism 2.0

If you had the chance to look into my past, it might not be obvious that I would consider myself an atheist as I got older. I spent 7 years in the catholic school system (prayer's in the morning and all) and was forced to 8:45 Sunday mass by my mother every week. However, by the time I was 16 - through a form of teenage rebellion - I became very farm removed from the Catholic Church.

Now that I'm in my mid-20's, I've started to feel a need for something more in my life. Some sort of structure that doesn't revolve around a career.



I spent some time in a Presbyterian church and learned that the minister could marry and have children..who knew?! It was so great to listen to his sermon about life and death and relationships. He was able to experience life the same way I was so I felt more of a connection.



I dabbled in some Buddhist teachings and began to truly understand the reasoning for suffering in life and what it means to truly be compassionate.  Meditation and yoga were new past times.

However, there was always one problem - the supernatural.

In walks Alain, de Botton, considered to be the philosopher of the everyday life, with a new perspective on religion and atheism. 



He argues that as an atheist we don't have to disregard all aspects of religion, but borrow bits and pieces. de Botton's ability to put to words to exactly what you're thinking, or feeling is truly extraordinary. Take a look at this inspiring TED talk that just might restore your faith (no pun intended) in atheism.


 I believe in being kind
I believe in always expanding your mind
I believe in the power of the sea
I believe in reading the Sunday paper
I believe in taking care of the earth
I believe in spending time with yourself
I believe in questioning
I believe in taking care of your body 
I believe in walking barefoot 

There may not be a religion that compiles all my beliefs exactly, but that's ok. I'm on the path to self-knowledge and at twenty-four, that's all that matters to me.


For more about Alain de Botton, visit his website here. To purchase "Religion for Atheist", click here.

November 6, 2013

Quote: Anne Lamott

Found this beautiful quote on Brainpickings.org. Non-fiction writer, Anne Lamott, on why we read and write:

"Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand out senses of life: they feed the soul. When writers makes us shake out heads with the exactness of their prose and their truths, and even make us laugh about ourselves or life, our buoyancy is restored. We are given a shot at dancing with, or at least clapping along with, the absurdity of life, instead of being squashed by it over and over again. It's like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can't stop the raging storm, but singing can chance the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship."

The funny thing is, reading Anne's quote brought about the same emotions that she was articulating.