I'm Running a Series of Experiments

This Good Life Project Jam Session by Jonathan Fields, inspired me so much that I wanted to do nothing but return to The House of Emerald after a three month long hiatus. (What happened to my 12 Resolutions?) Unfortunately, no matter how much I try, the winter blues always gets me down and leaves me feeling stuck, unmotivated and questioning everything. I think this year was a little bit harder not only because of the winter we experienced, but also because of my upcoming 25th birthday in May. I keep asking myself, "You're going to be 25. What are you doing with your life?". It's a very tough question that can, if you let it, lead you down a negative spiral. Luckily, with the emerging of warm weather (although I woke up to snow?) and the discovery of some great writers (Dani Shapiro and Stephen Cope), I feel my grove coming back. This video just confirmed that.

Jonathan is trying to answer the question of what advice he would give his 20-something self, in regards to building a career and how he would contribute to the world in a substantial way. I've read a lot of cheesy articles about this particular question, but he hits the nail on the head:

"Don't focus."

He suggests to "deliberately run a series of experiments" where your main goal is to collect information. (See Mom and Dad, I knew I was doing it right!) Ultimately this information will answer 3 questions:

1. Who am I?

2. What matters to me?

3. What am I good at/capable of being good at?

I remember when I decided to leave my "perfect" job at Ralph Lauren. I had already hopped around to a few other jobs after graduating college and my parents, as well as myself, thought I was finally set. Two months into it, I knew this wasn't right. I made a vow to myself to leave and try as many different things as I could. Starting this blog, was a way for me to track some of my journey. I changed my employment info on Facebook to "Crafter" at Liz's School of Life. Every now and then Facebook asks me to add the location to this job and I always laugh. There is no permanent location when you're learning about yourself. You need to be free and have the confidence that you will find your vocation or dharma. 

Like Jonathan says, these experiments are filling in chunks of the puzzle. It's not about reputation, success or money that you can get from a particular job. 

"What can this teach me?"

It's about what you can learn right now so then when you're in your 40s, you don't turn around and wonder. This reminds me of my favorite lyrics of Time by Pink Floyd.

"And then one day you'll find, ten years have got behind you

No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun."

I remember the day my dad pointed those particular words out I thought, I never want to get to that point. 

For the past five years, I've been extremely fortunate to have a great job at a local restaurant. It's allowed me to explore, take classes, start a part-time job/end a part-time job all while still making a decent income. Unfortunately, I still get the "Oh you still work in a restaurant" pity face. It used to drive me crazy, constantly wondering that I should be doing something better with my life. But hey, jokes on you!

So while, I may have a very colorful resume, it's comforting to know that someone so successful as Jonathan, is giving me the advice I decided to give myself a year ago. Thank you for reminding me Jonathan.



P.S. Next time you run into someone who's just interested in "What you're doing" (aka where you work) just tell them your "running a series of experiments."

The House of Windows: Nick Olson & Lilah Horwitz

It's about being closer to living with the elements." -Nick Olson

I stumbled upon this article on Facebook titled "These two Young Artists quit their job to build this Glass House for $500" and knew it was going to be something special. I scrolled right past every word of the article only concerned with visuals and to my surprise I found a video. This couple has a beautiful spirit and an attitude towards the elements, life and our place in it that is truly admirable. Kudos to you Nick and Lilah.

Original Image via Yahoo Homes

The video is part of a web series by Half Cut Tea, a two person team that travels across the country in search of artists and their stories. I haven't  been able to check out any of their other documentaries, but it's at the top of my list for the next rainy, or should I say absolutely freezing, day.

Chain Reaction: Birkin to Nature

I absolutely love those mornings where I have a few hours to get my daily fix of blog updates while drinking my morning coffee. However, I also love when I come across a few new blogs to obsess over.

Messy Nessy Chic is a blog that I discovered a few months ago. Nessy, the brain child behind this wonderful website, and I share a love for abandoned places. Lucky for me she features them frequently.
Below is a picture from one of my favorite posts about Verosha, a once popular tourist destination in the 1970s, now a desolate ghost land where visitors aren't allowed.

via Messy Nessy Chic 

Another notable series is her, "13 Things I Found on the Internet Today". If there is one post I go to when I don't have much time to search around, it's that. 

In today's volume LV, number four features a black and white of Jane Birkin circa 1970 that was found on Back to the Universe.

I instantly clicked through and was lead to an eclectic collection of all things 60s, 70s and 80s.
sigh...

  

all via Back to the Universe

After a good browse I noticed the curator also had a link to another visual experience, Places like Heaven, a collection of beautiful interiors, design and nature.

  

all via Places like Heaven

Wonderful blogs that are all worth a follow.

Enjoy!

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!

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. 

To Do List

Birch Obsession

Latest issue of Elle Decor:

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

Obsessed.