Inspirations by Ivy

Motherhood

2012-01-15T15:10:00.000-06:00

#StrongIsTheNewSkinny

2012-01-11T11:24:00.000-06:00

Have you seen this hashtag? #StrongIsTheNewSkinny !!!

Yep, you read that right. My husband has been saying it for years after listening to my complaints that my body isn't skinny anymore... he would say skinny chicks aren't attractive, athletic builds are much prettier. He's right... I don't like the look of skeletal bodies but I do like beautifully sculpted bodies with a thin layer of cushion to keep the muscles from looking too stringy and the skin from looking too thin.

I don't look like either but I'm shooting for the athletic, strong, MILF look. I'll get there, especially if these headaches keep reminding me that I'm not working very hard on my health.

I HEAR YOU BODY! I need to hydrate more, cut the sweets left over from stockings and get back to my good protein carb ratios I was doing just a month ago. I need to get more exercise because I don't think spin class once a week and almost daily sex is enough... it's good just not enough *wink* {oh man... I just said that on my blog!}

Strong is the new Skinny, Strong is the new Skinny, Strong is the new Skinny.... my mantra to go along with my 2012 word Balance which has been hanging on for dear life and it's only the 11th day of January.

I am going to go back to work full time outside the home. Budget demands it. It will be good, It will be tough, It will make my Balance goals more difficult but I'm up for the challenge. I can do anything, I've seen me do it. It's an attitude you have to adapt. I have friends, family, support. This will be a change, one I will make good.

Strong is the new Skinny, Balance, I can do Anything. Strong is the new Skinny, Balance, I can do Anything. Good mantra... add a little forgiveness and tolerance in there and I think the recipe is GREAT!

Today is:
Roasting Coffee
Ordering Business Cards for Towler Photography
Laundry
Wrap one last Christmas gift :-)
Photo Editing
Buy Chicken for grilled Chicken and Spinach Quesadillas {and more Tylenol}
Trust the Tylenol will kick this headache to the curb along with a huge glass of water and all day hydration
Trust in me
Kiss my children and play
Romance my husband... and play

Long Day

2012-01-07T21:38:00.000-06:00

After a day of cleaning.. we took some pictures to test out the front room for the baby photos I'm doing tomorrow.
The twins loved helping with this.

Off to bed to start Clockwork Prince... I tried to start it the other night but was so sleepy.... maybe I'll get in a chapter tonight.

Cheers and Love~
Ivy

She's always in my thoughts and a PS at the bottom

2012-01-03T09:50:00.000-06:00

My mom.

I think about her a lot. She appears in every room of my house as a piece of artwork or decor, a child's toy, a photo, an idea she gave me or an idea I need. She's everywhere all the time.

Yesterday I desperately wanted to ask her a question. I stopped, stood where I was and let the tears come. That overwhelming feeling hit, the feeling of NEVER getting to talk to her again NEVER having my questions answered, NEVER getting to show her how amazing my kids are, NEVER NEVER NEVER again.
I was alone... my preferred place to cry is anywhere alone but I also felt alone like part of my identity was missing, she's missing.. she's part of me.

My question yesterday seems silly today, I wanted to ask how she cooked the chicken for the amazing salad she made me after the twins were born. I'm pretty sure she used my made up recipe for the chicken part, where you marinate the chicken in italian dressing then pan fry it and add water after it is browned... simple and delicious but her's tasted way better than mine. Maybe I was just hungry, I WAS breastfeeding newborn twins... maybe it's because mom made it. Anyway... so many questions I didn't know to ask or couldn't ask because I hadn't thought of them yet. Everyone said "ask your mom all the questions you want answers to"... how can you do that? How can you know what you want to ask until it pops in your head? How can you guess at what you want to know or will need....
I have the rest of my life to unravel from this need. I know the ache will fade. It already has a tiny bit which is a welcomed relief for sure.

Losing my mom triggered something, it has me planning for my own absence in my children's life. A bit morbid I suppose but as a mom, I plan for the worst and hope for the best. I now feel like making/completing my kiddos baby books and printing out photos and hand writing all their amazing and neat qualities as the most important thing I can do for them second to LOTS AND LOTS OF QUALITY TIME TOGETHER. This is part of my 2012 BALANCE plan. I really hope I can do it, balance life with quality since quantities are limited and not guaranteed.

Here is a picture from one of four Christmases. This is my mother-in-laws on Christmas Eve.

OK, now for the PS. TWO inspirational blogger/photographers to share with you.

Do you all read Madeline Bea's Blog? One of my favorites!!!! I have her blog button on the side of my blog, that's how much I love her. She did a post here talking about a spending freeze and some free things you can do as activities. Here is the post to several links of free fun: http://madelinebea.com/blog/2011/12/freezing-assets-january/. I am doing the Strathmore Art Classes. The great thing about these classes in addition to being free... they are open until August! SO, if you are busy and can't participate weekly, you can do it once a month!! There are printable pdf files and supply lists, watch videos etc. etc. So far it is really neat! There is also a foodie course I may look into. I have to keep in mind... balance.

Also, I received an award, a blogging award! For a long time, I showcased my awards in a slideshow at the bottom of my blog but then I wanted to simplify and took it down, maybe I should put it back up and add this too. Today I want to showcase Naomi from Poetic Aperture. She said some very nice words about me over at her place when she gave me The Versatile Blogger Award {Versatile: flexible, accomplished, multifaceted, talented, ingenuous} so please go and check her out! I met her in one of my online photography classes. There are amazing people out there if you just allow yourself to be open to new ideas, opportunities and of course fun! Be sure and read Naomi's "Bucket List" or "Life List"... she has some neat ideas and she takes pretty photos!

Cheers~Ivy

2012: Balance | Life | Photography | Art

2012-01-01T13:13:00.000-06:00

Today is the beginning of something new for some or just another day on the calendar for others.
I love happy endings and new beginnings. I absolutely take this change to reset my thoughts and actions. If not today, when? I need New Year do-overs :-)

It is a bit hard to read, we took this photo free-hand at night with a bounced flash and my arms outstretched... read as: not still for crispness!
I snagged this FREE pdf printable from Thirty Handmade Days where I grabbed the kids DIY printable that is similar, see my post here. She also just put up a neat iPhone calendar for January!!

WANT: What I really want in 2012: P a t i e n c e. . . . I blow up easily with my kids, especially if I am stressed or lack sleep or am experiencing hormones at their worst. I don't want to be that person. My kids are good kids. They deserve a mom that can see things for what they are and not let her reaction always be a scream or yell. This is what I really want to work on.

NEED: What I really need in 2012: B a l a n c E. . . . I am juggling many things. All choices I made willingly but just the same, I need balance with in these choices. I discussed it here in more detail.

SHARE: What I will share in 2012: T i m e. . . . This goes along with the balance and patience. I want to give more of my time to my kiddos and my husband, more time to friends and family. There are limits each day.. I need to absolve those limits with balance and share my time. It's a FREE gift like smiles, laughter and hugs.

SUCCEED: In 2012 I will succeed at: H o n e s t y with myself. I don't think I'm dishonest with myself... I think I just need to pay attention to the truth more. Does that make sense? Part of this goes along with my balance theme... honest with how many minutes are spent on the computer, honest with how many minutes are spent with my children, house-charming, Towler Photography oh and let's not forget... time with my main squeeze!

Add: time to read, art, guilt-free play, new clothes, sexy boots, healthy lifestyle, road bike, beautiful fit body, blogging, generosity, love, a happy family, a successful photography business with some studio lighting and possibly a new camera and a Gorgeous Home Office! That is what my 2012 IS going to bring me. I will fight for it all and make it happen. It is a choice after-all.

Here are a few photos of our treasure box painting. My daughter and I are doing the Brave Mother's and Daughters class by the Brave Girl's, discussed initially here. The 3 week course is over but it is open for 3 months which is perfect for us. We have to carve out time to do fun stuff like this. We will finish them today and also work on our journals more!!

Isn't she beautiful

Artists in war paint

Another artist in war paint

Cheers to a new year of unknowns and the optimism to see the good in it all.
~Ivy

Kiddo New Year Resolutions {DIY link!}

2011-12-30T10:15:00.000-06:00

I stumbled across a blog yesterday through Pinterest. The author created the neatest pdf file you can download for FREE and print at your home. Here is her link to this activity: http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2011/12/new_year_resolution/

The kid's here at my house were kind and played along. It was fun to read their answers. BTW, florescent pens are hard to read in photos :-)

She talked mostly about friends, the good and the bad of growing up at her age.

She also wants to be more brave in standing up for herself and she wants to ride horses!

The boys accomplished potty training, or one did anyway... they want to learn to swim!

This young man was proud to say he learned to do a tri-pod and "somersalits" all the way down the hill and he wants to learn how to do a back flip! I guess the sky's the limit for this one :-)

I did one too... I will show you that one tomorrow :-)

Cheers and Love~
Ivy

Parchment, Packages and Pretties

2011-12-29T09:47:00.000-06:00

Parchment, Packages and Pretties... my new pin board on Pinterest!

I love parchments and glorified office supplies of any kind {the apple from my grandmother's tree}
I love to wrap beautiful gifts {I come by this honestly, thanks to my mother (may she rest in peace)}
I love all things pretty {from both my mother and grandmother}

Finally, I started organizing my vast pin-board selections. I don't have as many boards as some others may but I've been pinning since the beginning of Pinterest so I have accrued a lot of select pins on only a few boards. Today during my BALANCED me time, I enjoyed my cup of coffee at the computer while playing on Pinterest and then got lost in a few beautiful blogs that had loads of free downloads that are all currently taking respite in my CrEaTiVe folder on my desktop... happily waiting to be printed and shared!

Here are a few of my boards:

Please go here to see ALL of my boards and follow along!

It is addictive fun that inspires!

I do a lot of screen shots, have you tried them before?
For those of you that haven't learned to take a screen shot with your MAC yet, the simplest way I have found is to use the buttons command/shift/4 at the same time. This will turn your mouse cursor into a cross reference, line the cursor up to one corner of your intended area and just click and drag over the photo you want to create. When you release your mouse, you will hear a camera sound and a new photo will be on your desktop. I recommend going straight to your finder, renaming the photo and filing it away in an appropriately named folder for easy reference OR using it and deleting it so you keep your "work area" clean {something I am learning to do.... but slowly *grin*}. This may be old news to you but maybe.... it is a NEW TIP and you are super excited to try it!! Let me know if you need this clarified. You could probably Google Apple Tips or go to YouTube and watch a video on how to do it but since it is simple... I think you will catch on no problem :-)

Happy Pinning
Cheers~Ivy

Colour Lovers

2011-12-28T09:52:00.000-06:00

I tinkered and played over at Colour Lovers today. My friend bought me some "for-your-home-office" decor as part of my Christmas gift so I need to start planning what my sanctuary will look like based on these pieces!
Here is an iPhone photo of the items I picked from our local craft store, Hobby Lobby. She bought me the red sign and the black truck! The aqua/blue plate was sold out but there are other items there that will look just as GREAT! I also have photo inspiration that I need to print and hang, it will be beautimous!

Here is one of the color palettes I created at Colour Lovers. The red seems so bold, it would be a very small part of the room... like maybe just the antiquities sign and a vase that I have, hold your hand over the red and see my favorite colors in greys and the blue/aqua. My office would be comprised mostly of shades of grey, cream and aqua, accented with the lighter side of these hues. I want my room to be bright, fun and inspirational with functionality being the base and BALANCE being the glue.

My office will also serve as the craft/wrapping station/art/homework/reading/do-anything room {I am pretty good at sharing}. In it's past, this room has been my husband's office, the twins nursery, the junk room that held everything left-over and the kid's computer. I thought about making a small studio in that room but the small space would make it hard to do anything but close-up newborn photos--which would be grand but not the best use of the space overall. When newborns come over, my office could still be used but my kitchen has the best light and flooring for that job, also my front entryway gets good morning light. In just a few short months, we will be outside again!! {If I really had my druthers and my budget was endless, I would build out my basement porch and turn it into a studio with an entire wall of windows with the light softened by billowy sheers hanging at angles creating a beautiful illusion of privacy. I can picture the room and the photos I would take there. Someday!}

I'm enjoying a cup of coffee before I kick into BALANCE mode and start a project in the house that I will time so I don't get lost in the activity AND to see my productivity output.

Enjoy your Wednesday!
Cheers~Ivy

Balance: My 2012 Theme

2011-12-27T10:42:00.000-06:00

Hi Friends!

My theme for 2012 is BALANCE. 2011 was the year about me. I felt so lost and crazy that I needed to make steps to a better me. I did that. I worked on my creativity, my photography and my health. I am going to keep up with these things and now this year I am including BALANCE. I need to figure out a way to do all that I need to do for me in addition to all I need to do as a wife, mother and a business owner that also has a part-time nursing job. This will be a challenge for sure but one I MUST do. I need to find that balance between responsibilities and fun.

How do I plan to do this? I need to declutter; both my house and my brain. I need to do the one bin for trash, one bin for donate and one bin for keeping through out my home, my emails, my computer files and my brain... not sure how to donate from the last three so they will follow the keep or pitch rule :-)
I downloaded and printed the 2012 Declutter and Organize Calendar found here. I am not sure it will help but I'm trying it. I also have a declutter book I've looked at for the past year.. it has great tips I have tried but I need to do more.

I am going to have a set amount of time each day that is for me, for my kiddos and for my husband. The rest of the time will be divided between house charming, educating myself and my paying jobs. I also want our home cooked meals to be more varied. Again, BALANCE. I must remember to be nice to myself on the days we eat chicken patties or frozen pizza because we were too busy for anything else. {My dad gave me a beautiful 7.25 quart Le Creuset French Dutch Oven for Christmas!!}

I may blog a whiny post at times this year that begs you to encourage me but mostly I hope to inspire you to join me in finding balance. Fun, Responsibilities, Health, Friendship, Family, all of it.

All right, I have one more thing to share with you. I hope you enjoy it. I wrote a letter to a friend of mine from high school. I write him maybe twice a year to keep in touch since he has NO TIME for social media and therefore I don't know how he is doing :-) The letter was like a Christmas letter discussing all things in my life right now. I'm going to copy and paste it just as I wrote it.... imagine I am writing it to you too :-)

Merry Christmas my friend!

I hope you and your family had a happy holiday{s}. This was our first without mom.... it totally sucks/sucked. The house is not the same when she's not there, almost empty feeling with constant memories brushing over your skin leaving you a little chilled and longing. I can't wait until the memories envelope me in warmth and happy thoughts that bring a smile to my face. Amber stepped up and made Christmas lunch which I hadn't even thought about. She also did a lot of stuff around the house and held it all together. She is so much more than me. I wonder if she knows that.

Dad is doing ok, or I think he is. He is dating again... which is so very weird to me. I'm still missing mom like crazy, cry when I'm in her house or have a weak moment and here is dad... trying to be happy again. Logically, I know it is ok and it's the right thing. He suffered two very long years watching the love of his life deteriorate and finally fade. When it was over, he was all alone in that house, a home crammed full of Toni. He needs a constant companion, it's all he knows, he shouldn't be lonely, he can't. So I'm trying to muddle through that. He has been gracious and hasn't pushed his girlfriend on us. I met her and that was all I could handle. I'm trying not to judge a book by it's cover and trust that dad can make smart choices. I feel a little bit like roles are reversed and I'm that parent that thinks no one is good enough for their kid only it's my dad!! :-) As long as he's happy, I'm happy... I'm just waiting for my body to accept it fully.

Anyway, what a way to start a letter... all gloomy, not very holiday of me but I needed to get it off my chest and oddly enough, you are the first person I've talked about it with! {well, typed it with?... you know what I mean}

Did you delete your aol account? It was sending me Viagra emails and other enhancements. Just thought you should know :-)

I'm in the midst of trying to do too much. I've taken on my own photography business. Here is the link. http://towlerphotography.com/ I am still trying to decide what my brand will be. Making final decisions on colors and fonts and layouts. It's a task!! I'm doing this part time in hopes that I will become a better photographer and also make a little money to pay for my photography addiction. So far, it's been a lot of work but still mostly fun. The hard part is the editing and culling of photos. I don't really have time to do this when I have so many other responsibilities in my life: house charming, 4 children, a part-time nursing job that isn't really nursing but office work and running errands, oh--and my wife duties :-).... that doesn't include my brains ability to be constantly distracted making it almost impossible to complete anything in it's entirety. Whew! BUT.... I like taking photos and seeing pretty images and making people happy SO... I don't think I could have NOT opened Towler Photography... it was a nudge from mom--I know she must have pushed me to do it from heaven, what else would cause me to do something this crazy :-)

Scott is busy non-stop with work. I hope someday soon he will slow down and get to try out some of his fun stuff. He makes time for hunting and seeing family, time for a family vacation and a nap occasionally but it's not often enough. I worry the stress of his life is taking years away from him... which means time away from me--not acceptable. He is looking to change but as you can guess {since we are all in the same boat} it is a slow process. This doesn't mean he's not happy, I think he is mostly... just stressed. He loves IT work and problem solving and teaching... he just needs it in a different dynamic from where he is now {managing 30 some people around the world}. He is an amazing father.. he helps me see the funny things our kids do and he keeps me and my dreaming mind grounded. He's my tether. I could probably go on and on but I'm guessing you don't want to hear about the mushy stuff ;-)

Maggie will be 11 in April. She is turning into a lovely lady with a strength I don't remember having. She is navigating the world of girls, ugh, it is treacherous and I only hope I can be her beacon of light as she finds her way. I know she can do it but as a mom it hurts to see my baby deal with confrontation. I can't make it better, only guide her. She has to decide. It is so hard!! Anyway, she loves to create {like me so far!} and unlike me at that age--she loves to read!!! We read the same books or rather, she reads books I have read so I know there isn't anything too scandalous or racy :-) Mostly YA romance and sci-fi even paranormal if it's not too creepy! This connection is fun. I love to hear her explain each detail of the book and why she loved it or thought it was cool. She is amazing to me. She also started playing the flute this year and volleyball. Her passion for volleyball will hopefully keep her practicing, add her height to that and she may get to play when she's older. It's not like when we were young and everyone that joined the team in our small school got to play... you have to have a real talent here in order to make the team. Cross your fingers for her. I know she's only in 5th grade but this is when she has to get good!

Will just turned 8!! He's my squinty-eyed, dimple-grinned boy. He loves all things Halo. The kid is really good at video games which I hope leads to a fun life of using hand held technology in the operating room?? or the construction site! Either way, he will always be my softy... and the big brother that LOVES to terrorize the twins. He has fun playing with the kids down the street. All the boys put on nerf vests and back packs and head into the "forest" {a backyard ravine with a tiny stream of water and lots of trees and poison ivy} with their guns loaded for fun war games. I like to think this is normal, I ask other parents with boys if this is normal and they all say YES. I worry we are creating a bunch of aggressive natured kiddos... I balance it out with lots of hugs, kisses and sweet stories of his innocence and goodness and a few prayers to anyone listening! He is not a reader like Maggie, he struggles with it a bit but it's coming along. We find fun comic books to read so it is interesting and funny for him, that seems to help. Taking the time to sit with him is the most important and one I need to work harder on. I always seem to be doing something else... Scott and I work as a team and one of us always finds a way to sit each night and read/do homework with all the kids. Maggie often reads to the little dudes and we sit with Will. Will does a great job with math and science, he likes these subjects. He also gets great reports from his teachers that he is quiet and listens in class without causing too much trouble. He truly is a good boy.

Cade--the best way to describe him would be to imagine the smart, intuitive, silly, funny, curious and sweet side of my dad then squish it all together and put it in a little body, that would be Cade. He cracks me up and knows exactly when to hug and kiss me {this is almost always after I yell!}. He comes in a small package but packs a punch! He is the kid that can't sit and watch a movie b/c he is always moving... he can however play Angry Birds for a very long time!

Graham--he is different but similar to Cade. He likes to snuggle and be close to mom. He comes to our bed in the middle of the night each night. On one hand, this is frustrating b/c he wiggles and sleeps sideways... on the other, how much longer will he want to snuggle and cuddle and be small? It's bittersweet. Graham is almost potty trained {Cade is!!}. We are working hard on getting to that magic moment where he wants to wear big boy pants!! Pre-school is helping us with this! Graham likes to wrestle and dance and sing {so does Cade}. Graham can also sit and watch a whole movie without moving unless he gets hungry! He gets hungry b/c he is a picky eater and doesn't always eat his dinner :-)

The twins as a package have been an experience of a life-time. The surreal fact that I'm a parent of twins making a total of 4 children hits me often and makes me smile. What a test of patience and parenthood. I'm doing it, We are doing it... amazing!

I still blog once in awhile. I hope to be better at it since I do love it. Time is a factor though and family comes first, always. {I say that cause I mean it but sometimes I forget it... if I'm being honest... sometimes I just throw up my hands and do something for me!!} I get caught up in other forms of social media/sharing. I use Pinterest {an online community of virtual bulletin boards to store ideas and lovelies and share with others} and Instagram {an iPhone community of photo sharing that you can access online now but that only happened just recently}. These two sites are like fast blogging to me. Even more fun than fb. Their ease of use and fast sharing appeal to my time crunch as a working mother. Right now I'm chuckling just thinking about next year's email to you... wonder what I will be doing then??? Anyway, here is my Pinterest Page: http://pinterest.com/ivest/ Just click on one of my boards and then click on one of the photos and it will be bigger to see. You can then click on the photo and it will open the link where I found it!! Here is a place where you can follow along with my Instagram photos. http://followgram.me/inspirationsbyivy OR http://statigr.am/inspirationsbyivy I don't know which site is better for following online, so I have both!! Most all the photos are taken with my iPhone. You can even comment on my pictures if you want, or I think you can!
I have also been exercising!! I did a 10 week course at Farrel's. Back home a similar place is Kosama. I have before and after photos that I'm not sure I want to share yet. I was pretty fluffy! I only lost 8 pounds but I look like I lost 15-20!! I just changed a good chunk {literally} of that fluff into muscle. It isn't fun for me to exercise or to find the time but I did it with a friend and now we are still working out but not as often. That will change after the holidays. I was and will again eat better--after this holiday break! It feels good to take care of me. I don't know why I waited so long....

So, anyway, It took a long time to write this letter! I drank a cup of coffee, made breakfast--twice, changed poopy pants and answered 1 million questions! Now we are all going to clean! Actually, just the kids rooms and only for 1 1/2 hours. Then lunch and a fun activity {painting today.. I think} and then naps where I will do dishes and laundry and tidy up at least the living room, then--a few groceries need to be bought. Not sure if I will do that or if Scott will do it on his way home from work. Finally, supper, dishes, baths/showers and family time. Tomorrow, same story or at least similar!! It's all about BALANCE which is my new theme for 2012!! {2011 was supposed to be all about me, and it mostly was *grin*}

I truly hope this letter finds you well and happy. Please write me back and let me know about you and your family-- I also expect photos since you have no time for social media and I am forced to do old school email communication with you!! Bwahahaha! Old school and email.... can you imagine if I had to hand write all of the above? I don't have spell check or edit and delete in any of my pens or pencils... it would have taken a L O N G time to make it worth reading :-)

OK... ball's in your court!
Love ya
Cheers~Ivy

As you can see... this was a long letter but my life is too much to write a short letter, or a short blog post!

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you ALL!

Cheers~Ivy

It's Here!

2011-12-22T17:46:00.000-06:00

That holiday I've been anxious about... the one that will make me miss my mom more than any other.
I'm not ready to go through the motions.
Not ready to have her stocking hang there... empty.
Not ready to wish she would make that always annoying call "When will you be here". I really hated when she'd call asking that question. Now I want her to call. I thought about that call last weekend when we went to her side of the family's Christmas. I cried in the car thinking about it.
Just more firsts to get through.

You wanna know what else? I hate that my Inspirational Blog is just a mess. Inconsistent posts, sad posts that are no where near inspiring... not me anymore. I need to fix that... and you have all been so very supportive and patient. That almost makes it worse, having friends I've never met or some I've just met once that stand by me. I have guilt issues and I feel guilty I'm not posting. My following is small but it's mine....

I have to get back into the things I love.
I need to let go of this sadness that keeps my spirit suppressed.
I need to go shopping--then post every cool thing on here and then pin them all to Pinterest. Honestly, Pinterest and IG are like easy posts... just inspiration at the push of a button, no editing, no writing.... but I miss the writing.
I'm here... waiting to get past this first.

My latest IG Self Portrait... sweatshirt and headphones while I clean.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday.
Cheers and Love~Ivy

Towler Photography

2011-12-18T10:37:00.000-06:00

Hello Friends!

Have you been to Towler Photography yet? I first talked about it here.

I did a blog post over there to introduce you to my friends that gave me my "push" to open my own photography business.

In addition to loving it, it is tough. Today I had to tell a client for 3 month old photos that we could do pictures today but if she came to my house {where we had planned to shoot} she would be exposing her little one to my twin 3 year old boys and their dual colds and pink eye. She graciously asked to do the shoot another time. And then came the sadness. Not b/c she r/s... she's a friend of mine and has loaned her daughter out to me for a full year to take pictures while I build my portfolio {yes... I'm that lucky to have such sweet friends in my life!} the sadness came b/c I had to put someone in that predicament. This won't be the only time I have these feelings. I am a full-time mother and wife, a part-time RN and part-time photographer. So I know that there will be complications with my schedules and I will have to go with the flow and be patient with myself. That doesn't make it feel any better though.

I do have other photography things to work on but today is Sunday so I will do laundry and house charming so I can be productive tomorrow and the rest of the week. My list of to do's:
   I need to put a set of family photos on a disk.
   I need to design and order business cards {It's tough to make a decision and stick with it!}.
   I need to edit commercial photos I just did for a local business.
   I also need to wrap Christmas Presents!!!!! This year we are using peacock feathers!!

I don't think pre-school will allow the boys in if their eyes still look red. It's viral conjunctivitis. The drops won't work so we have to just wait it out--ugh. This may put a severe kink in my productivity tomorrow :-( Again... patience is a must if I'm to survive my chosen life. I do love my life!

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope you enjoy Towler Photography! You can see the latest updates on the Towler Photgraphy Facebook Page too!

Cheers and Love Respectfully~
Ivy

Family, Brave Mother's and Daughters, iPhone pics

2011-12-11T12:56:00.001-06:00

I'm procrastinating. It is one of my greater talents... if I'm to be honest.

I have a sink full of dishes that need my attention, a table covered in peanut shell dust and hulls that missed the peanut-shell-garbage bowl, coffee to roast, photos to touch up and put on a disk for a client, art projects started and begging for me to enjoy, a book that has just 30 minutes left of reading, a large amount of laundry, child bedding from all 4 bunks- need to be stripped, washed and remade... the list is endless, I will stop there.

I have been enjoying friends and family these past few weeks. Above is a picture of me with my two SIL's {I have another one that includes my sister and my best friend but it is not on my computer. I will share it soon on fb!} We had Thanksgiving back home, 2 date nights, my dad came for the weekend and Will's birthday party. My past month has been joyous to say the least.

Maggie and I are still working on our 3 week Brave Mother's and Daughter's online class. We have 3 months to do it so there isn't any hurry BUT it is a lot of fun and we want to keep creating and spending time together. I will do a post about it I'm sure... sharing what we learned and a bit about the class {wouldn't want to give it all away!}.

I have shared many moments through photographs on Instagram above is a small selection. Most of my photos get posted on my blog's fb page ! Go and join in on the phone camera fun by putting the Instagram app on your iPhone. Then find me!!! I'm @inspirationsbyivy :-)

I just wanted to say a quick hello. Thank you for reading this post on my happy blog. I love to create and share. Comments are welcome!

Cheers~IVY

Jones Design Company and a little update from me

2011-11-14T18:36:00.000-06:00

Hello Readers!!

I've been busy. I think my last few posts have started this way.... ugh. Makes me feel like the worst blogger ever. BUT you can be sure that I am being the best mom, wife and photographer during this abscence from blogging.

I have a neat website to share with you today: Jones Design Company. I have loved Miss Emily for a long time. She has the NEATEST designs and she is WAY COOL and generous with her talents. This week she is doing something each day just for her readers. Go check her out! Today she gave away free Christmas Wishlist pdf's. She also has a monthly subscription that I would love as a Christmas gift!! {Hint Hint husband :-) } Each month she makes a smattering of neat and fun pdf's for you to download and use!!! It is super affordable too. If I don't get it for a holiday gift, I will be giving it to myself for New Years!!

So really, I am just doing the mom, wife and photographer thing {ok, so not JUST.. that is actually a lot}. No new business to talk about however. I have been pinning a little bit over at Pinterest. I had to stop for awhile b/c it was such a time sucker. I am doing 30 days of being thankful on my blog's fb page but I am behind :-) Criminey.... I will catch it up soon. I won't be delinquent on the things I am truly thankful for! Farrel's 10 week workout program ends this weekend!! I have definitely changed for the better but I will not sign up for the year long program. I plan to work out with my friend doing a variety of cardio and strength training so it stays fun and to work the different muscle groups more attentively. I desperately miss yoga.... BAD! Our kiddos are busy with school and now that the holidays are coming, there are school programs and recitals to watch. Scott has been super sweet lately, not that he isn't usually, he is just being more! I'm not complaining.... just saying thank you here so the world can hear my praise. I have been all over IG. Can't help myself. I have new friends and old to share photos with. It is fun for me for now. The first Breaking Dawn movie is coming out this weekend {as if you didn't already know this!}... I am going with the neighbor ladies. CAN'T WAIT!

Also, I want this book and the film wizardry book.

NiceRunOnParagraph....

Cheers and Happy November!

XO
Ivy

Guest Post: Eileen

2011-10-31T09:41:00.000-05:00

Got Change? . . .

I was supposed to guest-post for Ivy back in August when she was on vacation – and well . . . I failed (which is totally out of character) because I found myself in the midst of some massive Change. And being a complete Change-o-phobe? It threw me off track for a couple of months and I’m just now finding my stride. Change can have that effect – but I’m here to tell you why you should try it anyway: Because Change. Is. GOOD.

Oh yes – I’d heard that for years. In fact – I would even say it to other people. But between you and me? I didn’t really believe it. I’ve given some thought to my fear of change, and general risk-adverse personality – I’ve wondered if I was born that way? Or did my quirky 1970’s upbringing (small-ish town, no TV, and highly academic parents) foster that in me?

The Change at hand had to do with my day-job. I worked at the same small office for 9 years, (NINE YEARS!), and probably should have left three years ago. But in my classic stubborn-taurus-fear-of-change style – I waited until it was unbearable before I finally moved on to something new. Why? Why did I waste three valuable years of my life, countless hours of sleep and so many tears? Well . . . I was comfortable, and the thought of going somewhere else & the potential lifestyle changes I would face were I to make less money felt really scary. I also have two kids, and have been the primary breadwinner & provider of healthcare benefits for the last three years in this messed up economy – so it wasn’t just me I was thinking about. In the worst moments I just wanted to QUIT, but being unemployed wasn’t an option.

One of my favorite stories of all time involves a friend I met in Los Angeles years ago. She is British – and as the story goes she found herself in Berlin on December 30th one year, and decided to answer a call for a DJ at a club for New Year’s Eve. She went for the interview and got the job. The clincher was that she had ZERO experience as a DJ – she just told them that their equipment was different than what she was used to, so she’d have to come in several hours early to get the hang of it. And guess what? She ROCKED the HOUSE all night long – and the only complaint she got was that they wanted her to announce more songs in German. She went on to work for that company for five years, several of which she spent in Hong Kong as a DJ in a club there. Wow.

Until recently I never would have taken a leap of faith like that. And in all honesty – I don’t know that I’ll ever do something quite that ballsy. But her story has remained at the forefront of my mind in the last couple of years as I began to stretch myself . . . not only in anticipation of a career change, but also with new creative ventures in photography and art. And with this stretch I’ve seen a clear change in my attitude. Where I used to think “Oh – I could never do that . . .”, I now say “Why Not?!”
The results of this new “Why Not?!” attitude are mind-boggling, even to me. Just over a year ago I flew across the country by myself to attend Squam Art Workshops in New Hampshire – where I took my first painting class ever. I came home from that experience with the distinct feeling that painting is part of what I’m meant to do. Since then I’ve taken three e-courses (photography, blogging and painting!), traveled to England (bookmaking!), and headed back to the magical shores of Squam Lake last month to keep the creative mojo going. (& to swim in the ice-cold water!) As corny as it sounds, I really am creating my own reality – and with each day that goes by, I get more excited about my life and where it’s going. Whether I was historically risk-adverse by nurture or nature . . . it feels great to now be living outside the proverbial box.

Oh and in the end I did quit my job. As in . . . at 5:00pm on my last day I said to my boss, “As it turns out? Today was my last day.” And I walked out. I had put up with unbearable conditions for far too long – and I felt victorious that I created a situation where I could leave on my terms. I moved on to something exciting and new, and haven’t given any thought to my old job since.

I don’t necessarily advocate fibbing at an interview (like my DJ friend), or leaving a job without giving notice. But as a result of overcoming my fears I realized that not only was something better within my grasp all along, but I learned that Change really IS good – and having conquered this one? I know that other big changes in my life won’t be so difficult.


Eileen embracing the jump into frigid water! Way To Go Eileen!!!

Eileen Nishi is a photographer, mixed-media artist and lifelong learner who blogs at www.westofwhimsy.com.

Thank you SO much for this post Eileen. It is pertinent to my very life right now! {PS, I'm a Taurus too, May 10th!! Just two days apart *grin}

Cheers~Ivy

Blogging Your Way, I miss you!

2011-10-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

Oh the longing.

I am busy, super busy but still I wish I had the time to take the BYW course AGAIN! I have been seeing posts from the new class and having envy that I'm not part of their group this time. I had some hits on my inspiration mood board over on flikr. I wanted to re-post it for you today. It was such a Spring inspired board... here now we are in autumn and I want to make a new one. What I need to do is make one for my new photography business, Towler Photography. If I make one, then I can give Chelsie, my graphic designer, an idea on what I want for my logo design. I could also then put together my home page for my website and update the colors for my photography blog.... oy!

Then what?-- I want to finish some paintings I've started and add the poem I wrote right into the art work. Read books, read blogs, play with social media, take more photos for my creative spirit, learn learn learn more about everything I fancy!

Alas.. I'm needed to do other things first. Get them done and then have fun.

I still love this board.

So, now that I've said a few, I need to go.
Quick post but at least I posted and said hello. I miss you all. Truly.

Cheers~Ivy

Need some inspiration?

http://www.alkalinesisters.com/
My friend Julie is full of nutritional inspiration!

http://www.sundancecatalog.com/
If I could have it all.. I'd start shopping here!!

http://hisandhersphoto.net/
New to me photographer duo, just 2 hours from me! Generous with photography tips and ideas.

Unplugged

2011-10-05T07:59:00.000-05:00

Just for a day or two... need to clean my house and get some stuff completed around here.

Stop by soon!

XO

Cheers~Ivy

Towler Photography

2011-09-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Did I tell you I officially opened my own photography business? Towler Photography is now open for business in Coralville, Iowa and the surrounding area like Iowa City, North Liberty...even Wellman! I thought about naming my business Ivy Towler Photography but someday when my husband becomes a partner photographer... he may like it to just be Towler Photography. As it is, he runs the techy part of the business and he's helping me with the accounting and legal and camera stuff... so really... he is a big part in this already!
You can find Towler Photography on facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/TowlerPhotography and after this weekend {fingers crossed}... you will find me/us over here too: http://towlerphotography.com/

I have been busy taking photos.
Lots of photos...
More than a normal person should take, photos.
So many that my husband was considering treatment options for me, photos.
It is part of who I am and has been for many, many years. My passion for it has taken off since the dawn of affordable digital cameras and the birth of our first child which was over 10 years ago. Since then I have taken thousands of kiddo photos, flower and tree photos and the ever popular "look what I'm eating" photos which are mostly captured on my iPhone!

For a long time I was against taking my hobby and turning it into a job. I was afraid I would end up hating it. A non-passionate chore running on someone else's schedule... There were other fears too: Would the photos be what people want? Would I take too much time away from my family? How am I going to run a business? How much work will it really be? And lastly, What if I'm successful? Then what happens??

Ugh... I cried tears before I made this decision. I wished so badly I could talk to my mom, with out fail, she was my confidence. She always believed in me, always saw the best in me. My husband had to play the part this time. I think he was a little uncomfortable with my tears and the fearful look I wore but he did it. He told me I could do it. He told me I was really good at photography. I won't forget our moment in the kitchen, Scott walking out the door for a meeting and then stopping to make sure I was ok, me standing there frozen wondering what in the hell I was doing and then finally turning to my computer and filling out the necessary paperwork to start a business. That was it, my leap. I did it. I know my mom would be proud and I am so thankful my husband took on the job as cheerleader and adviser! He believes in me and that was the push I needed.

Now I am a photographer. I like to take pictures, I like to tell a story with the photo, I am a good photographer {I'm not tootin' my horn here, people tell me this... I was told to always say this so I would believe it... it's part of my conditioning!}.

I'm learning that newborn photography is similar to the roll of being a grandparent {or so it seems}. You get to hold a yummy little baby, inhale their newborn scent, then inspiration hits so you can create and capture their sweetness with your camera. When you are done, the parents get to do the work of parenting. This is pretty darn cool in my book! Lastly, after going home and making a few corrections with editing software, you get to present the finished photo as a gift. Who doesn't like to give gifts? This is a win-win for sure :-)

A one week old little girl holding her Great-Grandmother's Pearls!

This weekend will be website building with my husband in between wrestling matches with our 4 children, house charming that wasn't finished during the week, organizing and sorting through the crap I somehow collect but can't get rid of, finalizing the wall colors for my in-home tiny studio {and a color for the master bath}, eating healthy and of course SNUGGLING--my favorite family activity.

My daughter and her friend modeled for me, they love their boots :-)

What are your weekend plans???

Oh, and one last thing before I go: I was sweetly mentioned over at Julie Cove's website, Alkaline Sister's! She's like famous!!! I officially met her at The Creative Connection Event in St. Paul. She has been on my recommended "Best Foodies" blogs to read at the bottom of this page. I've had her listed for awhile now so maybe you have already visited her!! She has taken on a HUGE task of going to school OOT for 4 days a week to follow her passion in Holistic Nutrition and then she travels home for the 3 day weekend where she spends time with her supportive and loving family. She is showing such strength! Please take the time to enjoy her blog AND leave her a comment to keep her spirit going! Julie and her sister have been posting recipes and educating us on a healthier lifestyle for a good while now. A true inspiration for everyone and now I get to call Julie my friend!

Julie and Me after she autographed her article in the "Where Women Cook" magazine.

Thank you for stopping by!

Cheers~Ivy

Autumn Boots

2011-09-28T06:00:00.003-05:00

Autumn. It's my get excited, clean the house, organize, get healthy time of year. I feel my best when the weather starts too cool and the breeze picks back up.

These boots would work well on my feet this season!

Kelly Rae Roberts was wearing these at the Creative Connection Event. She has great taste!
I saw them originally here at Sundance but you can also find them elsewhere!

What are you pinning for this season?

I miss you

2011-09-27T20:51:00.001-05:00

It just hits me sometimes.

Tonight, I pressed play and listened to her 13 second voicemail left on my phone in May. I pressed it again.

I miss her.

I want to talk to her.

I'm raising good husbands!

2011-09-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

I have lots to post! But this morning I wanted to share a small moment from my life.

I was in the kitchen just a few moments ago making our morning breakfast concoctions. My oldest son came in and together we checked the weather so we knew what to pick from the clean laundry baskets of wrinkled clothes. I started rubbing my butt and told him that this mornings work out hurt! He then told me what every woman wants to hear from the man in her life:

"Why don't you sit down?"
"I can't right now honey, there are things that need to be done."
"Well, I can do all the things in the house until it's time to go to school."

I nearly cried from his generosity, gave him a huge hug and told him how incredibly sweet he is. Then I told him I needed to do it and that I was fine just a little sore and he shouldn't worry.

So, just as the title of this post boasts, I'm raising good husbands, well, at least one so far!

MORE to come! I want to tell you all about The Creative Connection Event, Share my new business updates over at Towler Photography, talk about health and nutrition and these stylish killer boots I want!!

Stay Tuned and Thanks for Stopping By!!

Cheers and Love~Ivy

The Creative Connection Event!

2011-09-12T10:56:00.001-05:00

Did I tell you I'm going to St. Paul this week? I will be staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel with 100's of creative people all eager to learn more about their craft or pick up a new one! I have been so busy this summer that I haven't even allowed myself to get excited... what is wrong with me?!!!!
Well, the week is here and now I AM excited!!! More about this event and my schedule at the end of this post.

http://www.thecreativeconnectionevent.com/

Now, a little about my weekend. Scott came home from Australia on Friday night and we left Saturday morning for a Nebraska Huskers game, poor Bubba--his internal clock was thrown for a loop! Scott took Will and Scott's brother Rob took Sam, one of our nephews to the game while my S-I-L Katie and I manned the kiddos with my dad and sister. It is nice to be with family. To just let loose and play. We went to the waterpark in the hotel. The kids had a blast and wore themselves out! We had room service with Dad and Amber and then after they left, Katie and I sat on the beds visiting while the kids jumped on every surface of the room, I guess they weren't ALL the way worn down from the water park! Katie and I talked about girl stuff, parenting, the woes and joys of our lives and then photography. She had all sorts of tips for a newbie like me. So sweet of her to share!!

We ended our weekend with breakfast at Cracker Barrel {our options were limited!} my bacon was delish!

My new workout started today.... I'm sore already. I asked Scott if he'd wash my hair tomorrow after class since I'm certain I won't be able to raise my arms!! It's good tho... all good, I'm going to rock this!

More on The Creative Connection Event from above:


I will get to meet Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring, two women I admire very much. They shared a lot with me during the Blogging Your Way course and they also connected through facebook, blogging and other fun social media stops. Click on their names to see their beautiful blogs!!

I'm a bit nervous... I don't like crowds much but after reading about the level of acceptance and the warm personalities from all the creative people... I think I will survive. If all else fails, I will hide behind my camera lens! They said not to fear going alone... I hope they are right :-)

Want to see my schedule?
Here it is:
Thursday--Get up before the roosters and drive the 4 hour trek to St. Paul
Arrive before 9 for The Welcome and Speed Dating and Breakfast
                  Breakout Session: Content & Community Building
                  Lunch
                  Breakout Session: Growing Your Reach
                  Breakout Session: Monetization and Business Models
                  Dinner with Keynote Speakers Cristina Ferrare and Holly Becker!!!

Then bed :-) I will be tired since I need to leave at 4 am and the dinner lasts until 9 pm.

Friday--Creative Classes Begin @ 8am!
Discovering Y.O.U.- Marketing your Creative Business by Traci Bautista
                  Keynote Lunch with multiple bloggers speaking
                  Law-Maze by Rebekah Teal
                  Cocktail Party and Book Signing--hopefully this will allow me to meet some neat authors!

Saturday--another early start at 8am
                  Photo Styling: Producing Professional Photo Shoots that Suit Your Brand by Becki Crosby
                  Edible Images: Food Photography and STyling that make people want to eat your photographs by Diane Cu and Todd Porter
                  Cupcake Farewell that I may skip so I can go to a friends house to unwind before leaving for home on Sunday morning.

When I signed up for these courses, I had not opened Towler Photography.... I was more inspired to get my blog and ETSY shop going, meet creative people to connect with and finally see Holly and Leslie in person. I also wanted a weekend away to just envelope myself in inspiration. Now that I have opened my own business... my needs are a little different but my desires are still the same. I do want to sell fine art photography, I want to blog vibrantly and honestly AND I want to know the ropes to the behind the scenes stuff. Learning how to open and run a business with out ANY idea on how to do it or where to start is hugely intimidating... hopefully I will get some insight and hear stories to make it all seem rosy and less scary. Mostly, I'm looking for those connections.

Are you going to TCC? Let's meet up! Shoot me an email or comment here so we can look for each other :-)

Cheers and Admiration~Ivy

Guarantee, Just Sayin' and a Did you know?

2011-09-05T13:31:00.000-05:00

I guarantee:

If you are in desperate need of a shower, your hair is barely held up in a clip after a quick finger through, you are sans make-up and your face is pretending you are a teenager with acne... you WILL see several people you know at the grocery store. Do you really wanna make sure this guarantee works? Try going to the grocery store on a Friday after school just before a holiday weekend... you might see EVERYONE you know!

Just Sayin:

Dear young lady wearing the teeny tiny shorts and the well fitted tank top, they aren't staring at you because you are beautiful.

Dear curvy lady with the short shorts and the ill-fitting tube top carrying the super sized pack of TP.... I thought you were naked.

Did you know?

I read magazines back to front. Can't help myself, I just do.

Mac-N-Cheese Flowers

2011-09-04T10:52:00.000-05:00

If we all could see the world a little more like a 3 year old.

Cade came out onto the deck to see what I was doing with my camera and tri-pod. He said "Mommy, you taking picture of the Mac-N-Cheese flowers?" I fell in love with him all over again. He grabs my heart multiple times a day with his 3 year old vision of the world and his squinty smile.

I imagine some microscopic spores landed on our deck during the summer and then blossomed with the rain. I was a bit squeamish about them until I had my camera out. This photo was taken with my Nikon D80 and my AF Micro Nikkor 60mm 1:2.8 D. They were hard to get in focus like I wanted, even in manual! I do like the composition of the photo, the colors and textures make me smile.

The moss was pretty too!

Today is our day of "rest and reflection" or "do-what-you-want" day. The day to let go of what feels overwhelming and just go with the flow. What doesn't get done today can be done tomorrow. I have enjoyed coffee and conversation with my husband, playtime with my children, the above macro-photo-fun and now I'm blogging--so far so good. I plan to roast some coffee, read magazines so I can clear the clutter they have become, kiss my husband several times before he leaves for Australia {work trip}, journal while sitting next to an open window as the breeze flows in and allow my thoughts to dream with out limits.

What are your plans today? Tomorrow?

Tomorrow we are going to the apple orchard!!! Wish me luck--4 kiddos and my camera, should be a treat and a show!

Cheers~Ivy

Gratitude: Family and Friends--they get you through

2011-09-02T09:16:00.000-05:00

I am here! Truly I am!!
I have been busy behind the scenes simplifying and complicating my life :-) How so? I will mention it at the end of this post but for now.... I want to share more gratitude with you.

My dad, sister, Aunt Sharon, Aunt Shelly, Aunt Marcia and their families, my mother's best friends {big group of amazing and thoughtful ladies!}, Uncle Dana and his family and the rest of my dad's brothers, my M-I-L's and S-I-L's and their families, my best friends Julie, Kim and Emily, neighborhood friends that have become our local family, co-workers that are more like friends than co-workers, blogging buddies I have yet to meet in person but feel I know better than the guy down the street, countless friends old and new on fb, twitter and IG, childhood friends that are irreplaceable, and even a few strangers are all in my thoughts.
This group listed above... this has been my support system, my example in life, the reason I made it through the past 2 years. {In addition to my kiddos and of course my husband but I mentioned him in the last gratitude post!}. I could never fully portray my gratitude toward this group. This post will share it, thank you cards will and have be written with heartfelt sentiments, phone calls and hugs that share true emotion, fb notes to remind someone they hold a special place in my heart--all good but for some reason it just doesn't seem like enough. Each and everyone made my life better and I want to thank them over and over again.

My mother, Toni, has been gone for over a month now. I keep running into those "firsts", with the most recent being the twins 3rd birthday to which I only cried a few times. My mother made birthdays the best day of the year. Your birthday would start off with an early morning phone call from her to get you out of bed so you could enjoy YOUR day. Later, you would find your birthday card in the mailbox reminding you of your special-ness and to tell you there is a perfect present waiting for you when you see her next! Her presents would be skillfully wrapped {I'm not joking, it was an art... she made perfect bows, had the prettiest paper with coordinating cards, they were gorgeous!--people would ask her to wrap gifts for them--they were so amazing!!!} and thoughtfully chosen. A gift from Toni was a treat both inside and out. Anyway, this was the first birthday she missed. It wasn't mine, I know, but hearing the twins cheerfully say "I love you grandma" in the phone that morning.. and know it wasn't my mom... broke me just a little.
I shared my sad feelings with a couple of friends, and had a happy chat with my dad... talking about it helped to mend the broken pieces and hearing my dad's voice lifted my spirits.

Honestly... I'm doing really well. I believe the 2 years of grieving while mom went through treatment helped to make the actual loss, livable. Her leaving was closure to the worst parts of the grieving.

Now it feels like I get to start anew

and live lovingly in her memory.

So here is the simplifying: I have been trying to clean out the clutter in my home {and brain}. After years of holding onto things and stuff our home has gotten full! {Don't picture "Hoarders"...envision lots of boxes in the basement filled with crap--as my husband says}. This is a slow process... one I am doing carefully and one day completely! I imagine it will take a long time and that is ok. I started and I'm giving a pat on the back to my procrastinating self!

And now the chaos: I started my very own photography business! Talk about taking a leap. I'm excited and nervous and thrilled and scared and a little impressed :-) The name ~Towler Photography~. You can see my facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/TowlerPhotography. I will have a beautifully crafted website in the future but for now... fb is the place to find me.

I am also beginning a new work-out program. I live a non-athletic life {this is polite talk for I don't do shit!} that involves chasing children and doing laundry, cleaning, playing and a part-time job plus several hobbies that help me procrastinate until I feel overwhelmed. I love to eat healthy and make good choices when I feel I have the minutes and energy to be good.. this would be approximately 60% of the time. This said, I could definitely use a good kick-in-the-ass SO a good friend of mine signed me up for a 10 week change-your-life course that starts in 10 days. {She did ask first of course} I am anxious. Anxious to start, anxious to put an effort into me, anxious to see the end results and to keep it up long after the course ends and finally excited for a healthier me.

So, a lot happening in my life. A lot of good stuff... the kind of stuff that changes you for the better.

Thanks for stopping by today.

Thanks for listening.

I would love to hear your thoughts--about this post, about you or

just a simple hello.

I now leave you with a few photos----come on, what would an Ivy post be with out photos???

As you can see... I'm an iPhoneographer having a love affair with phone apps and IG :-)

Cheers and Love Respectfully~Ivy

Blogger has me a little irritated... Anyone have a cure for this html mishap?

2011-08-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

See the color of the post title? If you came here via permalink and this is the only post on the page... then it is a coordinating blue and the links in the sidebar and at the bottom are that same pretty light blue.
If you just stopped by to my site then all the links are purple and the post titles a generic-non-coordinating blue!
I tried changing it. I tried re-setting it. Nothing works. The advanced setting say the correct colors but the page portrays something different.

Anyone know the cure? Aside from leaving blogger?

I need the main site post titles and links to match the blog as seen when using the permalinks to any of the posts.

Alas, I've joined the group of people that don't care much for blogger.... for now.

Cheers~Ivy

You are not going to believe this, as soon as I hit publish... it fixed itself! WTH? After days of trying to figure it out!! I'm leaving this post up.. too funny not to!

Have a Happy Sunday!!

Gratitude: My Husband {and a little bit of Rodeo!}

2011-08-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

Mini-Rodeo Fans

I promised gratitude. I have so much of it to share with you and today I will start show-casing what it is I am grateful for and about. The first person and the most important is my husband.

My Man

He is more than the person that takes care of me and our children. He is kind, thoughtful, brilliant, appreciative, humorous, wise, creative, not-so-patient but he listens *grin*, sexy and charming, handy, thought provoking, determined, a manly-man, proud father and husband, a DIYourselfer and helpful human being. I am the best me knowing he is there loving me.
Our relationship is like most successful ones, we are pretty much happy even with a few bumps in the road to keep us on our toes. We work hard to be a family unit with six individuals that come together as one. It isn't easy to do this.... to run a family and keep your identity. Mr. Ivy has given up many things to be a father and husband. I admire his strength daily and I appreciate every little thing he does. He is my inspiration today as he is on most days.

I love you Bubba, so very much.

{Bubba is his nickname from almost the first time I met him... it is endearing and I can't help but use it here in this post!}

A little bit of Rodeo.....
So, here are some photos from one of my favorite nights on vacation. The Dubois, Wyoming Friday Night Rodeo!!!

This rodeo was small town bliss. Families, friends and high-schoolers-trying-to-look-cool! It gave me the feeling of back home at a Friday Night Football Game. I loved every minute of it. I gushed over Scott like I was a school girl that couldn't get enough of her boyfriend. My kids never left the fence, they were fascinated and filled with excitement.

This little lady was movin'!!!


This little man was NOT moving... his horse didn't want to cooperate so the crowd cheered loudly to help him get around that last barrel!

Getting Ready for 8 seconds of whiplash

This guy did a GREAT job staying on... cowboys are little crazy and that's kinda sexy to me!


Showing respect during our National Anthem

Our twins were worried about the hats that fell off... lots of worrying that night as you might guess!

Cows... Graham's favorite thing on our trip!

This was the perfect set-up until the horse on the left wanted his rump in the photo!

Huge firepit and moon as the back drop for this entertaining night.

I am happy to be home but I do miss the freedom from reality that vacation gives you. We will just have to keep working hard so we can do it again next summer! The planning has already begun :-)

Cheers and Love~Ivy

Guest Post: Kimberly

2011-08-19T16:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Ivy's readers!! It is so nice to be here today! I used to be a very active blogger and then my life sorta got turned upside down...work, moving and blah blah!

Anyway, I would like to share a little miracle with all of you. The miracle of being healthy and feeling good. Now some of you may not feel that simply feeling good can be classified as a miracle. Probably because you feel good all the time or you never get sick. Or if you get sick you see your doctor and then BAM! all better! There are others out there that suffer daily. Women that can't get pregnant, people that are in chronic pain and others with various illnesses and with no answers and no end in site.

Some of you know that Will (my sweet husband) and I have been trying to make a baby for quite some time now. I have struggled with my health and weight for years. I have been on an array of medications and rigorous exercise programs. Sometimes I would lose weight and feel good for a time but it would never last. I even had surgery to help us get pregnant...and nada. Finally, a friend of mine convinced me to see (try to be open minded or maybe more people know about this) a chiropractor that also specializes in NRT (nutritional response testing). My bff and I lovingly refer to her as our witch doctor. For some background on NRT...Click Here to visit a helpful site. I wasn't sure how I felt about it initially but I was at the end of my rope and willing to try anything. I went and I was put on a program. It was a lot...supplements and new diet. I did it and it has worked. Stomach pain- gone, erratic menstrual cycles-now occurring every 28 days and it seems that my body wants to lose weight FINALLY!! I have never felt better or been happier! Everyone could see the change too. Not just the weight loss but the color in my cheeks, the smile that I couldn't wipe off my face and for crying out loud I was social again!

My point here is that I could still be suffering and miserable if I hadn't been open minded. Doctors and medicine are wonderful and I have benefited greatly from them. However, I have learned that there are many healing and treatment options available and I am so thankful that my friend guided me to NRT. Just to give you a picture of what I was going through...I was being treated for diabetes, poly-cystic ovaries, endometriosis, and gallbladder problems. These were not problems but rather symptoms of a problem with my pituitary gland. My witch doctor put me on natural supplements and a special diet to heal my pituitary gland and once it was better all my other symptoms resolved! I can't tell you what to do or where to go for help but if you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of medications that you are taking or you just can't get better, just know that there are other options out there that can help!

Love you Ivy and thank you for having me!! Happy Camping!!

--

-Kimberly

We are home!

2011-08-17T09:45:00.000-05:00

Busy with cleaning, loads of laundry {think bedding and blankets and more}, school starts tomorrow, dentist appt for Graham {he broke his front tooth!}, all things ready for the twins and their new pre-school, back to work tomorrow, a to-do list on top of the mentioned that makes me more exhausted than I ever dreamed and finally... I have several posts to write. First one will likely be a gratitude post. I am so very thankful for many things and I need to share them all with you.
Thank you for loving my Guests and commenting on their posts.
See you soon....

I have to keep looking at this photo... otherwise I might forget how sweet they are--this morning has been a challenge already, argghh!

Guest Post: McKinzie

2011-08-14T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hello! I'm McKinze. My husband and I blog regularly at www.seanandmckinze.com about our life in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia.

We're here as Peace Corps volunteers, working in Georgian NGOs to build organizational capacity. I won't go into more details about our work except to say that it's fun and frustrating and challenging at the same time.

We live with a wonderful, friendly host family that makes sure we're happy and well-fed. Our family, as well as the many Georgians and Armenians that have befriended us over the past year, has taught us to appreciate several things about life here.

Time to do nothing but be in your own head is a luxury stateside, but is unavoidable here. But I'm not complaining - I have so much more mental energy to put into my relationships and our future. (Although I must admit that I would probably spend my free time watching the Cooking Channel or HGTV if I were home. To be honest, doing nothing but thinking is often the only option when there is no electricity or English-speaking company!)

Hanging clothes out to dry on a hot, summer day is incredibly satisfying. Try to explain the concept of a dryer to a Georgian woman and you'll be asked why in the world something that blows air - just like the wind does! - is needed. I'm beginning to agree.

A person can make a lot with a little. My host mom and I make dough by hand for dumplings and cheese bread from flour, water and a tablespoon of salt. She has one cake pan, from which she creates delicious desserts. Her oven doesn't go above 220 degrees and only heats from the top. But alas, she is the best cook in all of Georgia.

In Georgia company is always welcome. People drop by unannounced at home or at the office daily, and everyone stops work for a cup of tea / coffee and fresh fruit. Schedules aren't as important as relationships here, and I love that.

We are excited to take these, as well as other lessons, back with us to America.

Thanks for reading my thoughts on our first year here. I hope you'll visit us from time-to-time at www.seanandmckinze.com.

Guest Post: Rachel

2011-08-12T06:30:00.004-05:00

First off, I just want to thank Ivy for the opportunity to share on her lovely blog. I’m sure she’s off somewhere enjoying her vacation…sun bathing and sipping down mimosas. Hope you’re having a good time!

I came across a blog about a family whose been traveling for the last five years, nonstop. They are literally your modern day nomads. Originally from the US but since 2008, has traveled to and lived in numerous cities and countries from Spain to France, Jordan to Italy, China to Malaysia and everywhere in between.

The longest my husband and I, along with our three children, have ever stayed in one general area/city was no longer than two years, shortest was one week. And since we’ve recently taken our travels and our lives beyond the US borders and into Asian lands, I could very much relate to this family’s lifestyle. For now we have settled in the Philippines, but who knows where we’ll be in the next few months. You can read more about our crazy adventures at CoolBeanMommas.com!

I can’t help but to wonder what the wardrobe of a woman, whose been traveling for the last five years, looks like. I’d imagine it would be very minimal since traveling light would be the wisest choice. After all, who’d like to haul around numerous luggages filled with clothes from country to country? Surely not my husband, and certainly not me =)

This brings me to my main subject. What are ten items of clothing you would bring along with you if you were to travel for the next five years? For me these ten pieces of clothing would have to be practical, comfortable, adjustable (coz’ who knows how much weight you’ll lose or gain in the next five years, right?) and most of all, fashionable.

Here’s a list of my 10 Closet…or in this case 10 Luggage Must Haves!

-Dark denim jeans. Like a good, strong husband, every woman needs a good, strong pair of jeans.

-Colorful, knee length full skirt. Great for warm, tropical climates and for those days when I actually feel like shaving =)

-Khaki shorts. I personally find them more sophisticated and comfortable than your average daisy dukes. They’re great for those active outings.

-Fun, flirty top. I would probably have 2 to 3 of these. I’m sure I can find room somewhere to stuff the other two…hmmm maybe in the diaper bag?

-Comfy, fitted T-shirt. One with neutral colors and a feminine graphic for a little added flair…these would go well with your favorite jeans or even that loud, patterned skirt.

-Plain black cardigan. Sometimes it gets unexpectedly nippy and let’s face it, your husband isn’t always going to give you his coat or wrap his arms around you…

-Maxi dress. This piece of clothing will definitely expand with me, I’m sure I can still wear it even if I was 8 months pregnant!

-LBD, Little Black Dress. Keep it simple yet elegant, and preferably in a material that doesn’t wrinkle easily. You never know, the Queen may just have you over for tea!

-Sun dress. You can go from day wear to evening wear without having to change your clothes. Just reapply some make-up and deodorant and you’re good to go.

-Your favorite pajamas. Even though you won’t be sleeping in your own bed, at least you can sleep in your own pajamas!

Guest Post: Heather

2011-08-10T06:30:00.001-05:00

The Power of Seeds

I’m so excited and honored to do a guest post for Ivy! Since I’m a nutritionist and mother to a 15 month old son, I thought I would share a little nutrition knowledge and introduce you all to one of my favorite healthy yet delicious snacks that I enjoy with my little guy...
Seeds are nutrition powerhouses loaded with healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals not easily found in such beneficially high concentrations in other foods. We’ve all heard of and likely use seeds like sunflower, pumpkin and sesame, but what about flax, chia and hemp seeds? And how can you get these tiny powerhouses into your diet? I’ve broken down the benefits of and uses for a few of my favorite seeds, all of which have about 150 calories per ounce and are loaded with the poly and monounsaturated fats important for a healthy heart, brain, skin and eyes.

Chia: Yes, it’s true; the cha-cha-cha-chia pet is grown from the same seeds that are actually edible and loaded with omega-3s (the essential fatty acid important for its beneficial anti-inflammatory effects). In fact, chia seeds have roughly 4 grams of omega 3s per ounce (roughly 3 tablespoons). While there is no RDA for Omega 3s, a good goal is 2 grams or more daily and most people don't get that. Chia seeds are also high in calcium (18% of the recommended daily intake for an adult per ounce) and have a whopping 10 grams of fiber/ounce. While they have very little taste, they do absorb water and take on a gelatinous consistency when wet. This makes chia seeds great for preventing and helping to treat diabetes as they reduce blood sugar spikes when eaten with other carbohydrate foods. 

Flax: Flax seeds are also loaded with omega-3s- roughly the same amount as chia. Unlike chia seeds they should be ground before eating to release the beneficial oil. Flax seeds also have a whopping 8 grams of fiber/ounce and are a great source of the mineral magnesium. Magnesium plays so many important roles including helping to build strong bones, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure and can even help treat migraine headaches and ease muscle spasms and leg cramps. Too many Americans, including children, don’t get enough magnesium especially if they’re eating a lot of processed foods.

Hemp: Hemp seeds have twice the protein of chia or flax seeds at 10g/ounce, more than any other seed in this list. They’re also a good source of iron which makes them a great addition to soups, salads or smoothies when you’re looking for a plant based protein and iron boost for your child. Hemp seeds can easily be ground with water to make a nutritious milk. The seeds themselves have a mild nutty flavor. I find the milk tastes a little too earthy, but my 1 year old really likes it with a little vanilla bean mixed.

Pumpkin: Pumpkin seeds are also high in protein and iron and are one of the best plant sources of zinc. Zinc plays a vital role in a healthy immune system and has been studied extensively for this role, especially in children.   Zinc is also important for growth and regulating blood sugar levels.    Pumpkin seeds are also great sources of iron and magnesium.

Sunflower:   Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of the heart healthy antioxidant vitamin E providing HALF of an adult’s recommended daily value in a 1 ounce serving!   These little snack seeds are also high in selenium, a mineral that is thought to help reduce cancer rates. Also high in phytosterols found only in plants, sunflower seeds can help reduce cholesterol levels. Ground in a food processor with a little olive oil and a touch of honey, sunflower seeds make a great alternative to peanut butter with twice the iron and roughly as much folate!

Any/all of these seeds can easily be added to trail mix, granola, oatmeal, soups, salads and smoothies.   Or you can grind them up in a food processor with your favorite nuts and a few dates (or raisins or a little honey) for a delicious and affordable homemade snack bar similar to those on the market, but much less expensive!

Green & Plenty Little Seedling Bars

2 heaping tablespoons each sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, cashews and walnuts

1 tablespoon each flax, chia and hemp seeds

2-3 medjool dates (pits removed) (raisins would also work)

½ tablespoon coconut oil

Optional: 1-2 tablespoons cooked quinoa

Grind flax seeds in a coffee grinder and add to a food processor with the rest of the above ingredients (except hemp seeds). Pulse for about 3-4 minutes or until the mixture turns into a thick paste. Add hemp seeds and pulse for about 30 seconds. Spread the mixture over the bottom of a flat dish, preferably one with a lid. Cover and refrigerate. Serve in small slices with fresh seasonal fruit for a nutrient packed breakfast or snack.

Visit http://www.greenandplenty.blogspot.com for more ideas to help you keep healthy living in your family’s lifestyle.

Guest Post: Jayde

2011-08-08T06:30:00.005-05:00

Hello, lovely readers of Ivy’s blog!

When I decided to do a guest post for Ivy’s blog, I then had to decide what to actually write about. A personal experience? A recipe? Some photos? In the end, I decided to share with you my fashion icons and some of my favourite looks of theirs. Fashion is a huge part of my life – I adore dressing up and looking nice and wearing outfits that reflect not only my moods, but my personality as a whole. I find inspiration for my outfits in so many different places: Tumblr, Polyvore, online stores, my friends, magazines and people I see in the street. At the moment I have two women whose style I am absolutely swooning over, and first up is Adele!

First of all, if you’ve never heard any of Adele’s music, you simply must go Youtube her (a good first clip is her 2011 Brit Awards performance of Someone Like You – it’ll knock your socks off and have you in tears). Not only do I love Adele’s incredible voice, but I simply adore her sense of fashion. She wears a lot of black, as do I. As a curvy girl, I can relate to Adele’s body shape and I feel like her sense of style transfers well to my own. I also love Adele’s style because it’s classy and beautiful and actually leaves something to the imagination – covering up can be sexy, too!

Here are some of my Polyvore sets I created with some of Adele’s most signature looks:

As I mentioned earlier, I wear a lot of black, mostly because it’s slimming and dead-easy to accessorise with. The most clueless accessoriser could probably throw some pieces together with a black outfit and completely get it right. I also adore her signature choice of eye make up – a simple, black slick of liquid eyeliner and some falsies. It’s so simple but so stunning. I have been using this look everyday for work and whenever I go out – minus the falsies! It’s a great basic look that won’t overpower any outfit.

The second lovely lady whose style I adore is Emma Watson. She’s another one who always dresses classily, which I just love. I find that Emma rarely misses on a red carpet and her gorgeous gowns at the London and NYC premieres for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 definitely didn’t disappoint.

I am completely and hopelessly in love with this simply divine Oscar de la Renta gown – I adore the colour and Emma wore it beautifully. I loved the simple accessories, because they didn’t overpower the dress. A dress as glorious as that is most definitely the statement piece of the ensemble. I actually scoured the Oscar de la Renta website to find this gown. I would actually happily wear it as a wedding dress.

I read some mixed reviews about Emma’s Bonetta Venega dress at the NYC premiere of Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but I personally loved it. Such a radically different look from her soft, feminine London look, but once again she pulls it off.

I also adore Emma’s casual looks – lots of cardis, shorts, cute girly tops and ballet flats. Emma makes keeping casual and still looking good seem effortless. It doesn’t take much to dress up a simple outfit; a cute pair of embellished flats, a statement purse or a beaded necklace can just add the right amount of glam a casual outfit needs.

Now I want to know who YOUR fashion icons are. Be sure to let me know in the comments below.

Love and Light, 
Jayde xo

Blog: http://letsleaveituptofate.wordpress.com 
Tumblr: http://-letsmakeitlastforever.tumblr.com 
Polyvore: http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?id=937224

Guest Post: Abby

2011-08-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

Advice From A Poet

Hello Ivy readers. My name is Abby from Indigo 26. I am guest posting today while Ivy is out on vacation.

With the light hanging longer in the day and the warmer temperatures lingering, summer always makes me slow down. It's the perfect time to take a break, but I have a hard time doing this and usually have to relearn the art of paying attention. It’s so easy to get caught in the mundane of everyday chores and routine that I tend to forget to look beyond the task in order to see the beauty of small things.

Recently I doodled in my journal about living an extraordinary life: The kind of life that the poet Mary Oliver pens about in her poem Instructions for Living a Life.

                Pay Attention
                Be Astonished
                Tell about it.

It’s as simple as that yet I have to remind myself that living this kind of life doesn’t have to be something spectacular; it’s all about the details. Heeding this sage advice by stretching my face to the sun, and being content with life as it passes is the perfect way to spend summer. And sharing this joy with others by telling about it is what makes living so much sweeter.

photo by Abby

This is why I enjoy reading others, like Ivy, which are always full of inspiration. It motivates me to grab my camera or my journal to record my moments. They are an example of this kind of thinking that teaches me how to keep the rest of the year just as savory as summer days.

I hope you find find beauty in your details today. Thank you Ivy, for allowing me to share some sweetness with your readers today.

Guest Post: Christina

2011-08-04T06:30:00.004-05:00

Hello! I am Christina from Mildly Delightful (sadly, my blog is a little fubar right now) and I am honored to have been asked to do a guest post for the lovely Ivy while she is away!

I used to blog pretty often but my posts have become rather nonexistent lately. This can be directly traced back to last year when I found my love of knitting and crochet and started my Etsy shop, Christina's Yarn Crafts. Since that point, I have devoted pretty much all of my time to creating and designing for my shop... and I love doing it!

Here is a little background to those of you who don't already know:

I was/am a stay-at-home girlfriend who had moved away from my friends and family and I was feeling a little more down and out every day as I sat home alone while the manfriend was at work. I decided I needed a damn hobby, and FAST, so I sat down and thought. God knows why, I landed on knitting! I decided to teach myself and pretty soon after, I taught myself to crochet as well. The rest is history! Needless to say, I am definitely keeping myself busy and happy these days.

gifts to Ivy

Now, the point of this post was not to ramble on about myself but to alert you all to the amazingness that is knitting and crocheting! Lets breathe a little life into these traditional crafts. For this particular post, I have compiled a list of knitting resources for you all to check out and start to learn on.

First off, here is the holy grail of knitting resources: http://www.knittinghelp.com/

This one site is pretty much solely responsible for my knowing how to knit. The videos are clear, detailed, plentiful, and most importantly, FREE! They have everything you want to know, from basics to more advanced techniques and I occasionally will still go watch a video if I need to brush up on something, You do NOT need to sign up for anything to view these videos. Check out the glossary too if you are ever stuck as to what something stands for or how to do it. A lot of the abbreviations in the glossary have a video link right next to it that you can go watch as well.

When first learning to knit, I would recommend learning the following basics:
Long tail cast on
Knit stitch
Purl stitch
Knit front and back (kfb) - a basic knitting increase
Knit 2 together (k2tog) - a basic knitting decrease
Slip (sl or s) - simply slipping the next stitch off the needle without working into it
Bind-off (or cast-off)
You'll also want to know what garter stitch and stockinette stitch (st st) are.
Garter stitch just means, when working in the flat with 2 straight needles, that you are going to knit stitch every row.

Stockinette stitch means you will alternate every row with knit and purl stitch (Row 1 knit, Row 2 purl, Row 3 knit, Row 4 purl, and so on)

I would also strongly recommend learning how to knit in the round using the Magic Loop Method which requires circular needles (a video can be found on knittinghelp.com). This way you can start making more interesting and fun projects without having to use 3-5 double pointed needles to make a continuous circle (for hats, etc). I find this technique to be MUCH easier than using double pointed needles (the traditional way of knitting in the round) and I will never go back. Your grandmother might not agree but trust me, it is much easier to work with!

another gift to Ivy

Here are 10 beginner knitting projects to learn on!

1. Tooth Fairy Pouch - a very small simple project that will finish up pretty quick and give you that sense of accomplishment at having finished your first projects! Then gift it to a child you know!
2. Learn-to-Purl Washcloth - a great first project that will give you practice with both the knit and purl stitch
3. Pop Tart Phone Cozy - this adorable pop tart phone cozy will definitely make you smile when you've finished. You have to use 2 different yarn colors so you might have to refer to a video. The gal has a link to one with the pattern. You could also, of course, ignore the color change and just do 1 solid color.
4. Hearts Dishcloth - this was the type of project I did first and it turned out a little wonky. Just make sure that you pay attention to what row you are on and keep track of that you're doing and it will be fine!
5. Lightning Fast Preemie Hat - a simple preemie hat pattern worked on straight needles. Work up a bunch of these while you're learning and donate them to charity!
6. Knitted Coffee Cozy - a simple coffee cozy to keep in your purse.
7. The Golden Snitch! - a knit amigurumi snitch for all you Harry Potter lovers!
8. Bow Headband Knit Pattern - A lovely large knit bow to wear!
9. Catnip Bunnies - my cat LOVES these. You can make some for your own feline friend or knit a bunch to give to your local shelter.
10. Jelly Belly Holder - a cute little pouch :)

These patterns aren't very exciting or elegant, perhaps, but they should be great practice until you get the hang of knitting! I chose not to add any scarf patterns because they can be long and discouraging (When does it end?!??). Don't be discouraged if your first try is a mess, mine was definitely a disaster! I would link you to my blog post about it but it seems to be broken. Maybe it's for the best...

Teeny the Teacup

Once you have the basics down and are interested in some more projects, take a look at these websites to find some great patterns and information:

Ravelry - an AWESOME knit and crochet community where you can find any pattern imaginable! You do need to create an account to see the website but I strongly recommend doing so if you are more interested in knitting/crochet. You can post your own projects and see what others have done which is a great way to judge how the pattern you're eyeballing might turn out. Seriously, you can find some gorgeous, exciting, adorable things to make. I get lost for hours sometimes, browsing patterns! Do it. (Friend me if you make an account! My username is cdugan88 and I know a couple other blog ladies have accounts as well.)

Knitty

Knitting Pattern Central - a very large database of free knitting patterns

Crochet Pattern Central - free crochet patterns

Knit Picks - a fantastic source for everything knit! This is where I bought my knitting needles (harmony wood circulars) and I absolutely swear by them. They also have a pattern database, free and for sale, excellent yarn that I love to work with, pattern and reference books, and lots more!

Now go forth and KNIT!

♥Christina

PS - If anyone actually does end up making any of these I would love to see your finished product!! Feel free to message/email/tweet me if you have any questions :]

Guest Post: Desha

2011-08-02T06:30:00.001-05:00

Guest Post Author:

Desha Peacock is embarking on a 12- month experiment of Doing What She Loves, which is producing and hosting a TV show and writing a blog about the process. Her show is called The Desha Show, and features stories about creative people doing what they love.

Embracing Change, by Desha Peacock

There’s a song I love by the Avett Brothers entitled “A Head Full of Doubt” and my favorite line is “Decide What to be and Go Be it”. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that simple? Indeed, I have no doubt that I can make things happen, but the deciding part has historically gotten in the way.

Since childhood, I’ve asked myself these questions:

What should I do with my life? What is my life’s purpose? For me, it’s always been somewhat tied to career, not that my career was solely my life purpose, but almost that my life’s purpose was to find the most fulfilling career that would allow me to utilize my whole self to achieve my highest good and at the same time, I wanted (want) a career that meshes with a certain lifestyle of comfort, free time and flexibility.

Finding this purpose has taken me down a twisty path and led me to where I am today. To give you an idea of this path, imagine this: I’m 36 yrs old and have had 36 jobs. Yes, it’s true. Many of them I did for a short time, others for a longer time, and most of my life I’ve juggled at least 3 jobs at once, the most I had was 7 (at once!).

Here’s a sampling from that long list:

Christmas Elf at MM Cohn’s Department Store
Photography assistant
Lifeguard
Retail Sales Clerk at every store you can an imagine, in the US & abroad
Café Barista (Galway, Ireland)
Spanish Interpreter (US and Guatemala)
English teacher (Spain)
Social Worker
Business Owner- Professional Translation Services (Little Rock, AR)
Researcher- Bamboo Farms (Costa Rica)
International Travel Leader (Costa Rica)
Development Consultant (New York, London, Costa Rica)
Cultural Travel Manager & Writer
Facilitation Associate

And RIGHT NOW
Director of Career Development at a liberal arts college
Migrant Education Translator/Social Worker (when needed)
Blogger/TV Show Producer

With each job (and job change), I discover something about myself, things I enjoy- things I detest. What I’ve learned from all of this is that I actually thrive on change. I embrace it. Routine, rigid schedules, and repetition deplete me, sucking my energy right out. And So, I accept it. I accept the need to discover as part of my process to becoming closer and closer to answering those looming questions that have been with me since childhood. I enjoy the world of possibilities that lie before me. I enjoy dreaming, being an idealist and experimenting.

And as I allow myself to be led by paying attention to what feels good, I get closer and closer to that unique fulfilling and exciting feeling. Making my dreams become reality is happening - one feeling, one thought at a time. This is how I will excel in my career. This is how I will excel in life. And hopefully… enjoy it along the way.

Pics are from Holly and Igor's On-line Stripe Mania

To Watch The Desha Show, go to www.thedeshashow.blogspot
Like The Desha Show on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Desha-Show/137564932981120

Thank you Ivy for having me!

Guest Post: Casey

2011-07-31T06:30:00.000-05:00

When I saw Inspirations by Ivy needing guests posts while she was away, I immediately jumped at the chance. Her blog is great and what a great way to talk about things I love and my blog. So THANK YOU Ivy for the opportunity to showcase my blog and talk about YOGA! Please check out my blog for more fitness, recipes, and workouts. Your Daily Dose of F.I.T. {Fitness, Ideas, Tips}

When people think of the word “Yoga” they almost always think “pretzel like” movements, which makes them worry about not being able to do the poses. People think they are too old to twist and stretch or not flexible enough. The truth is YOU ARE NEVER TO OLD TO IMPROVE FLEXIBILITY. Yoga is so easily adaptable to any age or fitness level.

Most Yoga classes focus on physical postures called asanas, which work to safely stretch your muscles by releasing lactic acid. While doing this it also increases range of motion. They usually include breathing techniques, and possibly a meditation. Some are designed for power sculpting and some are designed for relaxation. You can choose a style that fits you and that will offer you the greatest health benefits while developing your flexibility, strength, and balance.

As a Registered Yoga Therapist, I get the opportunity to help people with their inflexibility, their ailments, and use Yoga as a method to help build strength, increases flexibility, and improve balance.

I practice Yoga everyday (including the 9 months I was pregnant with my second child) and feel that it has made a tremendous impact on me physically and mentally. I had a natural childbirth with both of my children and I attribute a lot of that to Yoga mentality and breathing techniques that I have acquired over the years.

I hope this has made you curious about Yoga and want to learn more or start up your own practice. I am here to help. Enjoy the “yoga workout in pictures” over at my blog.

Namaste

Guest Post: Elyse

2011-07-29T06:30:00.001-05:00

Hi, I'm Elyse!

I'm so excited about being over here at Ivy's. One of my favorite sections of her blog is her story of how she became a reader, so I thought I'd share with ya'll my love for books.
Growing up, my nose was always in a book. Remember how you were little and you would go into the store and ask your parents for a toy? Well, instead of being a toy, I always asked for a book. And not to sound spoiled, but I always got it. My Mama has always told me that she had a hard time saying no to a book. I used to stay up late reading, getting a stern talking to when my Daddy O would come home from midnight shift and find me still up reading.

Picture via
Books have been a constant for me. Whether life has thrown me curve balls, or has been smooth sailing, books have helped keep me sane. They are my escape from the world. That hour before I go to bed and do nothing but read is bliss for me. Many of my happy moments in life can be placed on a timeline based on what book I was reading at the time.

It is the little things in life that make me happy. The smell of a new book. Even the smell of an old book has its appeal. Finishing a good book that leaves you wanting for me. Holding a book from the 1400s (yes, it is an awesome feeling). It's funny how much these small objects...just words printed on paper...can make a person feel. It's hard to truly express my love for books. It is something that runs in my veins, as cheesy as it sounds. I've loved these paper treasures for so long, that I cannot imagine life without them.
Right now, I'm finishing up the Sweep series and reading The Help and One Day. Have you read any good books lately?
You can follow my blog here... or tweet with me here!

Guest Post: Sam

2011-07-27T06:30:00.002-05:00

Images via Pinterest
Guest post by: Simply Sam

Photo Challenge: Water

2011-07-25T07:23:00.000-05:00

I am entering a photo contest.
The challenge: Water
The rules: One photo, must have a face in it.
I chose my son's sprinkler photo, the one where he refused to look at the camera and instead gave me the cutest look-away look ever. I almost chose the one where the sprinkler is shooting water in his face, I love that one too but the rule was one photo and collages can't be used. You can see that photo and more water fun at this post. It was hard to pick just one.... really hard!

Please go and check out more INSPIRING photos at I heart faces!!!

Cross your fingers for me and this photo... I've never won a photo contest {I have only entered two so far so I guess I'm doing ok}

Cheers~Ivy

How to have Fun in the Heat! {Part 2}

2011-07-21T06:52:00.000-05:00

How to have fun in the heat part one was posted here toward the beginning of the summer season. Today I will give you a peek into our summer life once again with another idea and yes, it has to do with water!

I have more photos in this set but only time to put one up! One twin is scrubbing, tongue out in concentration and the other one is getting in the soap bucket. I mean, why wouldn't you get in the soap bucket... after all, it is just a mini bath tub filled with bubbles!
This kept my kids busy for a long time and I was able to capture all of the fun and colors on camera. I will share more soon, promise :-)

Cheers to you friends~
Ivy

PS: I have almost 20 Guest Bloggers to share with you this month. Why so many? Well, my vacation is supposed to be 3 weeks long--a camping trip out to the mountains and back and I'm struggling a bit with my mom's condition and her end of life. I need help keeping my spirits up and keeping my baby {aka blog} fun and light and inspirational! My guest bloggers are from around the world, different ages and stages. You will be meeting some very neat ladies so keep stopping back! If you would like to guest post, there are spots available!! Read about guest posting here and email me at InspirationsByIvy {at} gmail {dot} com

Does a post have to have a title?

2011-07-20T00:22:00.001-05:00

Off the cuff.... isn't that what they say when you just write with out edit or preconceived notions.
That would be new on me for the most part... I mean I write pretty good first time out and then I look up words to see if they even mean what I think they mean... correct them and then re-arrange so my words flow nicely... I have had people say I write so nicely--I think I just edit nicely.
I'm up and I'm sad and I tried to journal my feelings but I was shaking so bad I couldn't write legibly and when I was looking down at the paper my nose would run.
This is what happens when I can't sleep or I have very quiet alone time.... I allow my thoughts to go in that direction--the one toward the day my mom won't be here anymore. Eerily tonight, my daughter said she had a bad feeling about August 3rd. Why is a 10 year old having any thoughts like that to begin with? She said she had a dream but when I asked her about it she was vague and said she just had a very strong feeling.
I just can't do this. I can't. How do people do this?
I was doing so well. I was staying strong, not thinking about how sad this is. Then tonight, I felt the need to be creative, to scribble even. I pulled my bed stand drawer open to see if I had a piece of paper and inside was a journal. I had only entered two entries. The first one described the day and the up coming weekend--it was August 2009 and we were getting ready to go to mom and dad's for the twins 1st birthday. I just sobbed... so hard that my whole body shook and my breathing was fast then slow and then panting... it was awful. My mom won't see the boys turn 3, she won't get to give them a very special MaGa present planned just the way she planned. She won't get to see their smiling faces as they light up over the most special gift she picked for them. It will be so empty. There will be a hole in every event and holiday and special moment because she won't be there. I miss her so much already, everything is already dull and less important. It is indescribable.
I can't type anymore. It's not working anyway. I'm not any better than when I started.

I just need to sleep. I should have been sleeping for a couple hours already.

I will feel better in the morning.
For now, I send this off into my computer world.

Queen Anne's Lace

2011-07-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

I took some "ditch weed" photos the other night when I did the Golden Fluff pictures. The light was almost gone and I had to jump through weeds to find a patch of worn down and bed like grasses... it was a bed made for fawns. I imagine a mother and her babies slept there. I silently thanked them for leaving a respite in the weeds. I was only able to find one photo that I really loved. The slight breeze was taking these tall spindly and lacy flowers right out of focus.
They did delight in the golden rays however and I was happy to just watch them sway.

Many of you have been supporting me while my mother spends her final weeks in hospice. She is no longer making cards. She sleeps almost around the clock when she isn't plagued with being ill. I called her while I was driving to these fields to take pictures. She was crying about the constant vomiting but I think it is a compilation of fear, pain, sadness from leaving us all and the exhaustion that is taking over her body. My sister said she will wake up talking and then have to fill everyone in on the beginning of the conversation that took place silently in her head. She is on continuous pain medication, nausea medication and a slow IV drip just to keep the vein open so the medicine can pass through. Her countdown might still be in the weeks but it is very close to the days. I imagine my vacation will be cut short and we will come home early for a funeral. As much as I am trying to keep my spirit light and be a good mom excited about a vacation..... there are moments I am just worn out from the sadness. Seriously, I am packing funeral clothes with our vacation clothes!! It is a realistic plan that has left me feeling unsettled. I am absolutely thankful for the blessings in my life, my friends that have offered support with the most loving and generous kindness, my children and their ability to see the importance of 'now', my husband--oh my husband, he is perfect for me in every way and then there are my blogging friends-- I have received packages and emails and texts and tweets and fb notes and many of you are signed up to help my little blog while I'm gone. Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!
You can visit my mom's Caring Bridge to see the updates. We are currently praying for comfort, understanding and peace. It is all that we can ask for right now.

Cheers and Love~Ivy

Golden Fluff

2011-07-17T08:39:00.000-05:00

I don't know the name of these fluffy flowers... I only know that when I saw the field last night, I had to go back with my camera. The light was fading quickly, I was standing in itchy pokey weeds up to my hips while wearing shorts and sandals. I'm thankful today I have no rashes!
Enjoy their golden hue and Don't Forget to send me your Guest Posts!
Do you want to send in an inspiring guest post while I'm on my 3 week camping trip through South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming??? Go here and sign up! I have a nice line up so far but there is room for more! It will be a treat for sure :-)

Cheers and Love~
Ivy

Come be a Guest Blogger right here!!!

2011-07-15T09:24:00.000-05:00

I will be on vacation.... for a very long time! I am a fortunate lady for sure but posting here will be a bit much while we are gone even though I hope to get a few in.

I need some guest blog posts to be scheduled!!

Please fb me or tweet me or comment here if you would like to be a guest here at Inspirations By Ivy. You don't even have to have your own blog! You can try out your very first post here :-)

After you have signed up, get cookin' cause I need your posts sometime in the next 7-10 days {the sooner the better}. I will take your content via email and your photos and schedule them to post. You should absolutely mention your blog or business if you have one! Also, I think as my readers, you know what I usually talk about on this site.... beautiful images, DIY, Clothing-Shoes-Accessories and anything INSPIRING! So with that in mind, those topics would fit in nicely but don't be limited by them! Short and Sweet or Long and Lasting... all will be accepted, get your creative juices on!

I know this is short notice. I wish I had posted this the first time I thought about it :-)

WOot WoOt!!

Cheers and Love~Ivy

Autumn Anticipation

2011-07-07T06:30:00.001-05:00

Each year, after the 4th of July, I get antsy for Autumn. Her cool winds, crisp leaves, football, new school supplies..... and let's not forget, Autumn Attire!
I keep a log of all my favorite chic trends over on my Pinterest Style Board, you can check it Here.
Below is a small sampling of what I have collected so far.

Don't forget the sexy, messy up do that just begs for neck kisses

Cheers~Ivy

Business Card

2011-07-06T06:30:00.001-05:00

Ok friends, you are the first to see my business card.... the first draft anyway.

What do you think? Do you see any typos or alignment issues? I've stared at it so long, I can't see anymore!!!

I like the colors... they are good year round if need be.

Notice the etsy shop site.... you can go there but my shop is empty. I just have it there for when I need it. I'm already on my second etsy banner.... that is a hard thing to create, well, not hard.... I'm just not happy yet :-) I need my creative juices to really kick it up a notch!

I would love your opinion.

Why do I need business cards? Well, it would be nice to hand something out when I ask strangers if I can take photos of their flowers, their tree or their fence for example... plus when I go to The Creative Connection Event this September... I need to let people know where they can find me :-)

Cheers~Ivy

PS: I did not create this card, I only did the typing... I bought a marketing set {on sale!} over at Dear Miss Modern! I've been eying this one for a while and when it went on sale, I snagged it.

My Yearly Smearly

2011-07-05T06:30:00.005-05:00

Oh yeah, here it is, I am going to cross that line and talk about my yearly smearly! Bwahahahaha...
Consider this my Public Service Announcement: Get Your Annual Physical {male or female} appointment set if you haven't already. It is easy, it takes little time and it could save your life.

Most of my readers are girls so you know where I'm coming from when I say "The dreaded annual pap smear" which requires: shower just before appointment or at least "freshen up", try and remember the first day of your last period, medical history--how many pregnancies, births, living children etc. etc. family medical history and who had what....

Once you are checked in, they call your name and bam, you get handed a cup and you are asked to pee in it. For a guy, no big deal--men have hoses. For a girl, you have to snuggle that cup right up there and hope you are lined up nicely or you will come out with wet hands. It ain't pretty AND if you get any on the cup you don't want to look incompetent or messy so you have to wipe it down first and then put it in the little door. I got the ALL CLEAR here :-)
So once done peeing, you get to be weighed. Ugh... why do I look? I know exactly why, I am hoping it will be less than my home scale but sadly, no, it is always a few pounds more! Jerks.


Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go barefoot in any doctors office, bring socks!! I was able to go barefoot just this one time because this was a brand new office and I was their first patient on the first day opening! Do you really want to put your barefoot where someone else put theirs? At the gynecologists??? Ewwwwww!

Segue: My husband and I were talking about Princess Leia and her barely there little get up when she is a slave to Jabba the Hutt... I told him we could dress up as her and Hans Solo for Halloween if we did P90X a couple of times, he pointed out we'd have to do P270X.... I ~~was not amused~~ laughed my ass off.

Ok, so I need to exercise. My current regimen: nothing. That is for a separate post.

So the peeing and weigh-in is done. Then comes 20 or 50 questions and the "get naked" request where they hand you a poncho and sheet. I bet women around the world set records in how fast they can strip at this moment. As soon as the nurse closes the door, it's a race! Who wants to be mid-disrobe and have their doctor walk in. It is a silly fear... they are going to see all and feel all in just moments but honestly I still go super fast {and I fold my clothes neatly with undergarments tucked under, I'm not a slob in public!}

So once naked and dressed in their barely-there-cover-up. You sit and wait F O R E V E R... while they give you plenty of time to undress.

Then 50 more questions with your nice smiling doctor, the "lie down" so he/she can feel your boobies and make sure they are not lumpy and then the "go ahead and scoot down". Here is where you should just drag your ass all the way to the end of the table so a little toosh is hanging off. No need to be shy and only go half way... your doctor will just keep saying "scoot down, scoot down" until you feel you are hanging off the edge anyway. Best to get it done right the first time.

I don't think I need to talk about the cold metal speculum {or as Tina Fey puts it in Bossy Pants "she took out a speculum the size of a milkshake machine"}, a long bristled brush and spatula, gloved fingers covered in ky jelly and lots of abdominal pressing because this part takes less than 3 minutes. Easy Peasy!

Then you get to sit up and talk about any and all female "issues" while still siting in your poncho and drape after being felt up and down.

You would think this yearly appointment is an awful experience but I have 4 children, the last set was twins delivered by my current doctor-----she had 1/2 her arm up in me after the first twin was born, holding the second twin so he wouldn't turn around while my uterus contracted to work him out for his grand entrance, these yearly appointments--piece of cake. My husband remembers the twin delivery as being hilarious because while she was holding that second twin, she just started up a conversation like this was a normal day, nothing new-let's talk about current events. Me on the other hand... I wasn't in pain {I had to have an epidural in case of an emergency c-section.... my first two kids=no drugs} I was just soaking it all in... first baby on the table, doctors arm up inside me, nurse squeezing my abdomen so the second one wouldn't turn and I couldn't feel any of it. I just wanted to see my babies. Anyway, didn't mean to go on and on but once you have had that much attention on one part of your body... it seems less embarrassing, notice I said less, I'm still modest if even just a little.

So that is it. My doctor gave me my encounter form to take to check out, I got dressed and left.

Done for another year.

All kidding aside, I do with 100% certainty believe you should have an annual physical. These simple and quick appointments could detect something small before it has a chance to be killer. This is for men and women alike. Call now, don't wait!

Cheers~Ivy

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T08:48:00.000-05:00

We celebrate our nation's Independence today. My grandmother always made this holiday patriotic and special. She understood the importance of responsible citizenship, honoring your country and taking pride in your nation's beliefs.
Cheers to the USA and the people who defend our honor. Thank you to the men and women who protect our freedom.

Cheers~Ivy

A gift to make me smile after a long and emotional day.

2011-07-03T16:39:00.000-05:00

A special gift, just for me from Miss Christina at Christina's Yarn Crafts. She has been a blogging friend for quite some time now... she blogs over here at Mildly Delightful but has taken a small hiatus so I talk with her on twitter and facebook and enjoy all her crafts from her etsy store.
When I got home Saturday after a long and emotional day.... I was delighted to find a gift from her filled with these lovelies.

I am absolutely smiling. I have the best of friends, truly.

In this post, I'm only showing you gifts from one of many friends that have been thinking about me lately, more about that to come!
As many of you know, my mother is near the end of her life as she rests at home in hospice care with a rare form of cancer, primary peritoneal carcinoma. This past weekend was my "Good-Bye" visit. I named it that because mom and I said our good-byes aloud with hugs and kisses and several tears. It was important to me to reassure her over and over again that I will be fine and that I am at peace with this even though I don't want it to happen. I may have been too stoic at the beginning of our talk, after several of her tears and none of mine, she said "don't be too ok with it!". That let me release the waterworks. I was trying to keep it together, and I mostly did.
If she could, she would keep me sitting in her living room "just to look at" until she falls asleep. Of course that is not an option so I told her I would send her a big picture. I suppose I should get prettied up and have my husband snap the best one he can of me, print it out and send it her way, it's the least I can do. I will be updating her Caring Bridge, please go and read more there for mom's updates.

As I walked sadly to the door, my dad whispered in my ear as we hugged good-bye, "come back if you can". This tugged hard at my heart and had me aching inside, how can I say no to my dad, I'm such a daddy's girl to begin with. He wants to make his wife happy.... for as long as he has her. I told him I would think about it.... I guess I could rearrange my schedule, ask for time off work, find babysitters or take the kids along but that is a lot of work.... is that my reason for deciding not to go back? No. Honestly, I don't want to go back. My daughter put it perfectly when she said "I want to see grandma again but I can't, it's too hard." She also said "When grandma hugged me good-bye and we were crying, it was like a solid cage was around my heart squeezing it." My daughter is just 10, it kills me she knows these feelings already in her young life. When she said this, my decision was made, no mother would want their daughter to hurt this badly. My mom would not want this for me, she would say what my husband and my best friends have said, "Ivy, you have to do what is right for you."

A picture after their hug... it was all I could do to get Maggie to come back over and smile.... she had to take several deep breaths and then she agreed to the picture. She is amazing.

I am going to change gears just a bit... typing that was a bit much and then I had to re-read it and edit it... exhaustion, just from a couple of paragraphs.

So, since I knew Maggie and I were going to do a one day trip {5 hours there and 5 hours back}, we needed some car entertainment. We bought a "book on tape". I chose Hounded, The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book 1. OMG, I love to be read to! The main character is so yummy and bad ass! I am sure reading it from the book is just as good but the narrator, Luke Daniels is what did it for me. The second book is out, I think it will land on my iPhone very soon!

Today has been a day of house-charming, taking photos, playing with the kids, photo editing and now blogging. Tonight we are going to enjoy my husbands delicious grilled carribean jerk pork loin with grilled asparagus and cheesy potatoes and my kids favorite, garlic bread. Maybe we will have a firepit if it isn't too hot to sit outside. Tomorrow we are going to the 4th of July parade and events, take a long nap and then stay up late enough to see the fireworks. It is turning out to be a good weekend, one to remember.
Happy 4th of July to you and our nation.
Cheers~Ivy

New flower pic's plus PSE brushes and watermarks tutorial

2011-06-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

I am married to an IT guy, yes you can be jealous... I have my own computer fixer right here in the house. A man that understands computer lingo, can develop programs and basically do anything he wants on a computer. He is a living God to the computer illiterate, well.... maybe just me but plenty of friends and family love his free services. {keep it clean, they love his free computer services, other services come at a cost *wink*}

Am I overstating his abilities? Possibly, but it is pretty cool and he's legally mine!

That being said, I rarely take up his time asking questions about computer stuff unless I'm stuck, and I mean really stuck. Mr. Ivy works computers all day every day... why should I ask him to do more?
So, when it comes to PSE and HTML and CSS {yeah, I said CSS knowing I should learn what those 3 letters mean when put together.. but I haven't}, I'm on my OWN!

Luckily I found tutorials online to help. My latest find is a jackpot of a resource by a generous woman named Rita over at The Coffee Shop Blog. She is a treasure for sure! She has tons of tutorials and freebies all for you and me. I don't know why I hadn't heard of her before, or found her in my searches!

Today I did her "Making Your Own Watermark" tutorial. I have been putting my name on my photos with a little copyright mark just with the type option but I haven't been official in my watermarking or brush making.
Here is my first go at it. What do you think?

this one is hard to see but maybe that's ok

this is a bit more obvious, my white background is long but I can shorten that!

a little bigger, shorter white background

a little more obvious than the first photo

The watermarks are the two with the visible rectangular background and the brushes are the black writing, no background.

Comment and let me know if you think they are ok. I will likely go through several until I find one that is so perfect that I sleep with a printed copy of it at night. Ha!

PS: I was brave again, I met Katie C. and her husband and their kiddos one evening when I was killing time with the twins while the big kids were at swim lessons. Katie and Dean are the nicest people and welcomed me back when ever I wanted. I took the first three photos at their place!
The last photo is from my yard. Do you see the little "sweat bee"?

Cheers and Love~Ivy

Thank You and a link to a Freebie by Deluxe Modern!

2011-06-24T13:28:00.000-05:00

I am incredibly fortunate to have wonderful people in my life. Friends, Family, Neighbors, Bloggers, Photographers... the list goes on and on. Today I want to thank you all. Thank you for being there when I needed you, leaving comments on my blog to brighten my day, sharing your life with me, loving me, sharing tips on motherhood-the latest sale on boots-photography-and recipes, pointing out my typos, listening to me talk about my crazy psyche, watching my/our dog when I/we are away, telling me my kiddos are the cutest and then taking them out for the afternoon, offering encouragement and enriching my life.
With out you, life would be lonely and scary.

I am excited my husband comes home today after two business weeks away. This weekend will be filled with beautiful weather, dog and cat sitting, camping in the backyard, fire-pit fun, soccer, baseball, farmer's market cruising and lots of time with each other.

I hope you enjoy your weekend. What are your plans?

Cheers and Love~Ivy

PS: Don't you just love the Thank You card I made? The photo is mine but the Thank You template is from Deluxe Modern, her {free} thank you to us for being loyal fans. Go check her out here!

Photo splat that will make you hungry!

2011-06-23T06:30:00.001-05:00

Dear 16 Year Old Me

2011-06-22T16:53:00.000-05:00

Please take just 5 minutes to watch this smartly done video. You will be inspired for sure.

Cheers to your health~
Ivy

Brownie Camera, Tiki Torches, Sunshine and Flag Football

2011-06-13T14:44:00.001-05:00

It was a good weekend back home, family, friends and flag football.......
plus 1 bazillion mosquitoes.

my dear sweet daughter braved the deep backyard with me
the mosquitos could smell our sweet scent before we even got set up
then came their attack--but not before we got the shot!

Do you prefer the color version or the black and white? It's a tough call for me on this one. I like the color one a lot. I'm attracted to blue and the color photo isn't too busy with distractions and it's pleasing but the black and white is also beautiful. Comment and let me know your fav!

flag football with grandpa's socks, I had to save this memory!

Again, do you like the color photo or the black and white?

I set it up with both options in mind...

I kinda like the extra small orange football so I may favor color a bit more here

the sun on my mother-in-laws roses was perfect just after dinner

Bug spray and tiki torches were in our line of defense but we were too tasty a treat for those little pests and we soon retreated indoors for the rest of the evening.

If you have time, comment on your photo choices, I love your feedback!

Cheers and Love~
Ivy

Send a Card Please

2011-06-10T09:26:00.009-05:00

Do you have a few minutes?

I would love it if you would send my mom a card or a note or a postcard.

Anything to brighten her day!

Here is her address:

Toni Hartshorn
3815 Sylvian Ave
Sioux City, IA 51104

Anyone can write a letter!

{if you are new to my blog,
my mom is at the end of her battle with cancer,
you can read about it here}

THANK YOU!!!!

Cheers and Love~Ivy

Missouri River Flooding, Hospice, Travel, Summer Woes

2011-06-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

What a title to this post. It is what it is.
Our family and several friends have been affected by the flooding Missouri River in the Sioux City, Iowa area. It is so sad. Many people are losing their homes and were without flood insurance or had flood insurance but it was capped and won't cover the cost of repairs. It is devastating to say the least. People will die from the stress of this event, I wish this statement wasn't true.

My mom is in hospice and has been for a few weeks. I am caught between thoughts of "please just a little more time" and "just let her be at peace". The struggle in my heart is awful. I worry about my dad the most.... and my kids. I know Amber {my sister} and I will be ok, we will be sad but we will be ok. That is how mom raised us.... she is strong, we are strong. Dad is too but in a different way, he just hides his emotions but I know they are there.... slowly dissolving his insides. I am glad he has so many friends to keep him busy and help him see the good things.

We have been traveling a lot. We go home to see family and help out but traveling is hard work when you have kids. It keeps you from getting your weekend chores done and puts your schedule off a bit. Scott has been traveling for work and he is doing more this month. It is hard for him to be away and it isn't easy here either. I don't want this to seem like a complaint. We love our family and seeing them and being a part of their lives is one of our happier things to do. We chose to live 5 hours away, not the other way around but still, it's 5 hours. Scott's job pays the bills. He does as much as he can from home but sometimes he just has to travel, we miss him when he's gone but we do have Skype!

Summer is here! This fills our weeks with camps and activities and swimming! AND THE HEAT! Ugh, I am such a fair weather person. This heat and humidity slays me and gets in the way of my active life.

A new mini-van. Tomorrow, I pick up my new mini-van. Saying good-bye to my old one of 9 years was hard. We had a little chat and I promised she would like her new owners {they were very nice!}. I will post a pic soon of my new ride and all my favorites about her.

I usually like a photo with my posts. Not today. All words, just journaling before I jump in the shower and get ready for errands.

Cheers to you my friends!
Ivy

Cheery Cherries!

2011-06-05T06:30:00.001-05:00

I do like cherries. Each time I buy a bag I spark this one memory in my head. It must have been the 4th of July, we were at Storm Lake and Grandma was there along with half the county! We were having a picnic lunch and she had a huge Tupperware full of cold cherries. I would eat as many as I wanted and no one minded. It was warm outside and breezy on the lake. Tho this memory is small, it is one of my favorites. Cherries and Grandma. Summer Breezes. Picnics. Family. No worries.
I took a picture of the cherries I was cleaning today. They are not perfect, they are bruised and bumpy but they taste good and they brought back a memory, just for me.

I don't normally like angled shots. It always seems the contents of the photo are going to fall on the floor, however; this photo was taken askew to squeeze the picture the way I wanted it. I actually shot it like this:

not my favorite!

Do you have a favorite memory from summers past? I would love to hear about it. Happy moments spread cheer and are always welcome!

Cheers~Ivy

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

2011-06-04T11:01:00.000-05:00

I met a nice lady the other day because I stepped out of my comfort zone. You would think, as much as I share on this blog, on facebook, twitter and in my personal life that talking to someone would be easy-peasy for me. Not so much. Each time I have to talk to someone new... I am a mess inside with a smile on my face.
This time, it was Judith. A lovely gardener here in town. I have driven past her home multiple times and just now I finally worked up the nerve to take my camera and ask her permission to photograph her lovely flowers. She was full of stories and sweetness and said I could stop by anytime and I could park at her house over the 4th of July for the parade and stay after for a little get-together they host for friends. How's that for being brave!
Today I will share a few pictures. The daisies and pansies were from her yard, the blue flowers below are from mine.

Another Color vs. Black and White!

I am having a hard time deciding again...

Blues and Greens are one of my favorite color combos

But the light grey of the Black and White thrills me!

Which photo do you like best?

Cheers~Ivy

Brave Girl's Club

2011-06-02T07:28:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine introduced me to the Brave Girl's Club. I will likely take one of their courses in the near future but for now, I just want to share one of their daily emails I signed up for.

Most of the time, these land in my email box and they are exactly what I need to hear at that moment.
They also share fun art from their fans and the art on the site is adorable!

So, go check out their site and sign up for their emails if you want to have someone give you daily encouragement!!

http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001RmASHJDEZJb-PgiNFGSqCw%3D%3D

Cheers
and
Love~
Ivy

Color or Black & White

2011-06-01T12:55:00.000-05:00

I was washing blueberries for my husband to take on his trip home {to help our family and friends along the Missouri River prepare for the oncoming flood}. The blueberries looked bold and striking against my worn kitchen towel. I had to photograph them.

{This love of photography is very healing to me... as just about any art is!}

I also liked the texture and contrast so I tried it in black & white...

I don't know which one I like better!

What do YOU think? I would love to hear your feedback.

Cheers~Ivy

Lilacs and Sun

2011-05-26T21:35:00.000-05:00

Just a pretty for looks!

Clean Start

2011-05-25T12:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's rain left beautiful photos for today.

Lending a clean and fresh start to the morning. Just what the doctor ordered.

Do you see what's playing Hide and Seek with me?

I love this vibrant purple pattern!

Vivid colors today!

The drops are so big... it was fun to take photos today between loads of laundry and roasting 3 separate pounds of coffee.

I'm dealing with my feelings about my mother and the end of her struggle with cancer. She was sent home yesterday on hospice. I'm not looking forward to the emotions that will hit me this weekend when I see her in a hospital bed smack dab in the middle of her beautiful living room. IV fluids hanging, commode next to her bed, no wig... these are the things I don't want to remember.
I'm glad when I do picture my mom... the picture that pops up in my head is one of her and her smile with stylish chic glasses over her pretty pale blue eyes and her auburn hair teasing her forehead. I don't picture the numerous visions of her in the hospital. I'm thankful for that.

Thank You so much for your kind words and healing prayers. They are needed and welcomed. I will continue to post on mom's Caring Bridge so you can be up to date on her progression.

I absolutely must tell you how amazing my husband has been. Just being here for me, reminding me to see it as a whole picture and to not perseverate on what I will be missing. That is what I do, I ignore it all and when a quiet moment happens, I think of what I won't have anymore................. and then I cry.
Without Scott, this would be much harder. Without Friends, this would be much harder. Without my Kids, this would be much harder. Without Family, this would be much harder.
But I have Scott, and I have many many friends, and I have my kiddos, and I have my family. I will survive this. I will have happier days. I will always be Toni's daughter.

Here is mom's Caring Bridge Link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ToniHartshorn

Thank You for the comments you've left over there. My dad reads them to my mom. She loves to hear your kind words and prayers and well wishes.

Cheers and Love~Ivy

The Secret To Success

2011-05-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

The title of this post is pretty popular and the way to get there is different for so many people.
What is success?
Or really, what is failure?
Is it in how we view ourselves or how we think others view us?

I've been having a difficult time lately deciding if I want to take a leap. A leap into a world I only know from a consumer's vantage and not from the seller's.

My conflict: Can I take my favorite hobby and profit from it{well, really just get it to pay for itself!} and still keep it a fun hobby for me? Can I join a world of strong entrepreneurial women and hold my own? Can I be original and unique to stand out from the crowd? Do I want this responsibility?
These thoughts have been swirling in my head. I'm a bit nervous to be honest. I only get nervous when I think about how much work it will be. When I think of it plain and simple, I feel invigorated and inspired to just do it! {After discussing with women who do what I plan to do... it shouldn't be too much work unless I want it to be}.

My goal if I leap: To take my pretty pictures and make them available in a storefront on ETSY.

I want this to be a part-time job since my world is so very busy with family activities and a part-time nursing job, not breast feeding nursing... Registered Nurse nursing *wink*.
I am pretty sure this IS going to happen..... just not sure when. Keep your eye out!

Do I need to sell my artwork? Nope, not at all. Do I want to? I think you know I do. I like the connection to others. That is why. I like the feedback... {hopefully all good!}

Anyway.

What do you think?
What is your "Secret to Success"?

Cheers and Honest Love~
Ivy

DIY: A Thoughtful Mother's Day Gift

2011-05-18T10:38:00.001-05:00

As promised, a peek into the gift I gave my mother.

My mother is the BEST gift giver. It would be hard to top a Toni present.... everything from the wrapping paper, the perfect handmade bow, the details of the gift and of course; it is exactly what you wished for! Her ability to please someone by making them feel special is something I strive for. I can only hope my children will someday say "My mom is the BEST gift giver" {and 1,000 other lovely traits}.
Above you can see that I had several goodies in her blue suitcase gift box.

{this photo left shows both the red and the blue suitcases}

Page Flags {I have these too... and they are perfect for her!}
A small trinket in a pretty bag, on one side is a flower on the other it says "Everything Happens for a Reason". This is more of a me phrase than a Toni phrase.... I honestly believe there is a reason for everything... even the sad things.
Grandmothers are a blessing pretty hand towel... she will display this somewhere in her "looks like a magazine" home.
"My Mom, Her Stories, Her Words" This book is perfect! It will give her something to work on when she is too tired to be up and moving around. It will contain stories about her life all in her neat penmanship. I guess this is a gift to me :-)
A beautiful turquoise and chartreuse pom pom scarf. The pom poms almost looks yellow in the photo but they really are chartreuse.

Her card was handmade... I used my new sewing machine with obvious novice beginnings

Can you tell the card is open? The black edging is actually on the next page *grin*

Inside the small envelope was a little card and the word GIGGLE ... this is the word my mom uses to describe Scott and me. She is spot on... we DO giggle a lot!

Photos.... her memories of me. That is her mom {June} on the bottom right, holding me, I miss my grandma... I dream of her, those dreams are so vivid, when I wake, I feel they were real.

This was a tough page for mom to read... I think I got up and busied myself with clean-up while talking to my sister at this point. The Wish | Favor | Hope envelope asks her to be my children's Guardian Angel... just as I feel her mother June is mine.

This is the letter page.... I tied it up pretty and put a photo of her and my sister Amber and me. Our ages were Me, 2 1/2 the age of my twins now and Amber, 7 months. My mom would have been 24, isn't she beautiful!

My letter.... it was just me writing, a lot like my journal entry as seen here... just writing what came to mind. It isn't deep and riveting like a poem but it is me, on paper, thinking about my mom.

There was a last set of pages but it was from my kiddos... I put photos of them making kissy faces and constructed photo copied hands hooked to lengths of colorful baker's twine that equaled their arm length so mom will always have hugs and kisses no matter how far apart we are.

I would like to share with you where I discovered the idea to do this card/book of notes. It was from oh, hello friend: you are loved, a blog that I absolutely adore! The author, Danni, talks about her mother and her survival with cancer. It seems she's doing well and I am very happy for her! Do go pay her a visit... if you enjoy my blog, you will be blown away by hers, it is filled with DIY projects, Design Lovelies and Crafts galore all photographed beautifully!!

Cheers and Love~Ivy

How to have Fun in the Heat!

2011-05-11T10:30:00.000-05:00

Summer weather is here {for a few days anyway}!
Our neighborhood is full of children riding bikes, working on chalk art, blowing bubbles, and running non-stop because they can. The heat was a bit much yesterday so our big and little ones went next door to play in the sprinkler. There was a lot of "get your butt wet" and "shake your booty" giggling while they drenched themselves in the cool water.
Here are a few of the greater moments on this first hot day of summer {actually, late Spring but we are just going with the flow here or rather the sprinkler spray}.

Are you having fun in the heat?

Cheers~Ivy

Susan G. Komen: Race for the Cure in Sioux City, Iowa 2011

2011-05-09T14:32:00.000-05:00

This past mother's day weekend held a lot of emotion. I spent time with my mom, sister and dad all afternoon and evening on Saturday. We went through photos, yearbooks and many memories. It was a day just for us, a last mother's day.

Sunday was the Sioux City Race for the Cure event. My best friend Julie has helped in the planning and running of this race for the past two years {maybe all 3??}, this was the third annual race and the second year I have tried to capture some moments and memories. I tend more toward fine art photography... catching people photos is hard! I shall take that challenge and hopefully each year, the race photos will get better and better!
Here are a couple of the photos. If you would like to see more, I will be posting them on their facebook page here or on Flikr here.
These photos are free to be shared. If you would like me to email you a copy with out the copyright symbol, let me know and I will do it straight away!

Best Friend and Race Co-Chair, Julie Maas!!

As promised, I will share my mother's day gift to my mom in another post. I still need to put the pic's together. It truly was a memorable weekend.

Cheers and Love~Ivy

S l o w p o s t i n g . . .

2011-05-04T20:57:00.000-05:00

I am a bit behind. Just your everyday stuff plus two weekends in a row out of town with a third on it's way. My last Mother's Day with my mom is in just a few days.... I'm still sorting out those feelings.
Today I almost completed my mom's handmade part of her gift. I will take photos Friday if all works out and then I will post them on Sunday so you can see! I don't want to give it away before she sees it.
I feel tired all of the time, I think it is the emotions... they can be a bit much. What am I doing about it? I'm letting myself feel them, crying when I need to, letting myself rest a little more, going easy on myself {I should probably clue my husband in on this point... he may think I'm wallowing--I wouldn't dream of it!}. I'm not: returning emails, doing as many blog posts, reading blogs, pinning, tweeting or being much of a socialite. This isn't fair to my friends.... I will get back into Ivy mode, just give me time. I always snap back.
Here is my Magnolia Blooms photo only warmed up a bit {instead of cool}.
Enjoy your week and Mother's Day.

Cheers~Ivy

Monday Morning News

2011-05-02T08:43:00.002-05:00

"I've never wished a man dead,

but I have read some obituaries

with great pleasure."

~ Mark Twain

Magnolia Tree Blossoms 3

2011-04-28T06:30:00.001-05:00

A place to RESTORE {for Wordless Wednesday}

2011-04-27T12:50:00.001-05:00

Cheers~Ivy

From one Mother to Another

2011-04-25T06:30:00.004-05:00

The mail man delivered a package and it was for me! I couldn't wait to open it... I ripped the envelope using the cheater strip and inside was this gorgeous bauble:

There was also a card:

I could tell by the beautiful penmanship and the straight lines that the writer had taken her time to convey how much she loves me. I couldn't read it... not right away, the kids were hovering and making noise and they needed my attention. This note had to wait until I had some peace to fully soak it in... I finally got to it, two hours later.

It was the Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou, sent to me by one of my dear sister in laws, miss Katie.

She couldn't wait for mother's day so she sent me this little package of inspiration straight away which is exactly what I needed.
This wasn't just any gift, it is a two-for-one... a pretty bracelet and a donation to a worthy cause.
The organization Sharing the Dream has this statement on their home page:
Sharing the Dream in Guatemala is a non-profit organization that promotes fair trade with cooperatives and small businesses in Guatemala. We are committed to providing fair wages and employment opportunities to low-income artisans, which will result in creating sustainable markets for their products. Our craft products are handmade by Mayan artisans using many traditional techniques. Purchasing these crafts not only provides work for these artisans, but the profits go to support community development projects in Guatemala.

It is just like Katie to bring attention to a cause that is likely overlooked amongst the many programs helping those in need, this one is for artisans...right up Katie's alley. I hadn't heard of it until I opened this gift. Thank you Katie for bringing this to light and for the gorgeous bracelet! I love you so very much!!!!

ADDENDUM: Katie wrote me a little note {you may have read it already on Inspirations By Ivy's facebook page} It said this:
Sharing the Dream is a not-for-profit that a dear friend, colleague, and mentor of mine has established. I was blessed to travel to Guatemala with her 10 years ago right after I graduated from college. I spent two weeks working with different cooperatives, helping them improve their designs and the quality of their work. The co-ops, made up mostly of women as their husbands and sons and brothers were killed in their too recent of civil wars, were an attempt to rebuild what was lost during war time. Ivy, I have some amazing pictures from my trip. I will share them some time.

Cheers~Ivy

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T09:04:00.000-05:00

Reboot Your Reality:
On this Christian holiday that celebrates rebirth and transformation, reflect on which habits you could shed or new practices that could make you feel revitalized.

{borrowed words from my Whole Living email}

Cheers~Ivy

Decorate by Holly Becker {I'm ready!}

2011-04-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

My copy of Decorate by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick is "in transit" according to Amazon. Funny thing about Amazon; I always choose the Super Saver Shipping if it is offered {smart shopper choice} what drives me crazy is this option puts you at the bottom of the totem pole... least important order to attend to... making me dig deep into my"I can be patient" reserves. Just seeing that it has shipped helps, just get here already!
I ordered Decorate and a few others {City of Fallen Angels, Clutter Rehab and a gift for my mom's friend} on April 5th, it is the 23rd and it's still not in my hands! The sewing machine and it's case and extra bobbins were ordered on the 17th and received on the 22nd! They were also through Free Super Saver shipping and they came quickly. Geesh!
Anyway, in my preparedness, I bought gorgeous page flags to guide me to my favorite inspirations.

I am going to break out my sewing machine this weekend. I have a small paper project in mind but not any fabric projects. All those fat quarters I bought were for color inspiration and to embellish my paper project in addition to adding prettiness to my photos. Maybe I will get brave and make a skirt or a bag or something... What is a good starter project? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers~Ivy

Learning to say "truck" when you are two

2011-04-21T06:30:00.001-05:00

"Oh pfhuck!! pfhuck Mommy, pfhuck!!" said with excitement over and over in the car when a big truck passes us by.
"Dum pfhuck, ohhhh that is a big dum pfhuck mommy!" As we pass a construction site with a moving dump truck.
"Daddy big pfhuck." when we pile in the van and we wave bye to daddy's truck sitting in the garage.

Yes, this is part of why I am always smiling. I have an endless supply of humor coming at me from 4 brilliant children. These are the memories I hold dear.

I love my life.
I can't imagine it any different.

Cheers and Love~
Ivy

Fat Quarters for a non-quilter, Absolutely!

2011-04-20T16:17:00.001-05:00

I love this name "Fat Quarters". The sewing machine I ordered hasn't even arrived but the inspiration in each fabric piece has me excited to create. I'm not making a quilt, not yet but I am making a little gift for my mom for mother's day and I wanted it to be completely hand made! When I am finished, I will for sure take photos and do a post to share with you all.

Here are the 20 fat quarters I snagged today at Common Threads in North Liberty. They are not meant to go together but honestly, I think they look great in this mostly tidy pile!

Cheers to Colorful Inspiration and satiated Creative Whispers!
Ivy

Polaroids

2011-04-19T06:30:00.001-05:00

I love Polaroids or any Instant Camera really. They have an unpredictability about them... Instant gratification and a nostalgia that can't be replicated by anything else.
Polaroid film is not cheap and it's hard to find. I bought some PZ 600 Silver Shade from the Impossible Project {Thanks for the tip Irene!}. Each pack will yield 8 monochrome instant pictures using my Polaroid Spectra. That is not very many after years of digital shooting multiple shots trying to get it just right!
I would have liked to scan in the images, I will soon but since hubs is out of town and our fancy scanner is more complicated than my mad skillzs can handle... you will have to wait. I did put them in a pile and took a pic so you could see them now though, I mean isn't that the point of instant gratification?

Yes, you counted right, only 7. I still have one left in the first pack. I will share it when I take it, promise.
What is on my birthday wishlist? You can see here. I want the Fuji Instax Mini 25. I would also like the wide format instant but I'll go slow and just ask for one at a time.

Addendum: Thanks to my friend Emily, I changed "Desing to Design" in my header, I didn't even notice the typo, she's cool like that!
Thanks to Pugley Pixel, she offered up FREE Vintage Fabric Deco tape for my last post. She is the sweetest!

Cheers~Ivy

Magnolia Tree Blossoms 2

2011-04-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

I like the coloring of this photo too,

maybe even better than this one here.

I need to create a color palette for this one!
Enjoy your day today.
Cheers~Ivy

instagr.am fun photos and other iPhone app goodies

2011-04-17T12:15:00.000-05:00

So, I have several iPhone Apps that I love...

especially in photography.

Here are some pic's I've taken lately:

new photo props/storage containers

local bloom

new shoes and a pedi

fun eye make-up {for me anyway!}

my gorgeous friend Sarah

April Self Portrait

attempting sexy with a chocolate covered strawberry *wink*

favorite yogurt

a true testament

thinking of my mom

Want to see what phone apps I use?

A little pocketbooth fun!

What are your favorite iPhone/SmartPhone Apps?

Cheers~Ivy

Magnolia Tree Blossoms

2011-04-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

There are two beautiful Magnolia trees on my daily route.

This is their time of year to capture each passerby's attention with big blooms.

These are just opening!

I hope you are enjoying your Spring.
Cheers~Ivy

Creating Me, Learning through Journaling

2011-04-06T10:35:00.000-05:00

I am trying to learn... the many things I want to learn...
Today, it's just me letting go, even if just for a moment.
I need to let go of some of the sadness so I can get through my day.
I sat down and gave myself just one journal page to write out my tears.
I grow through sharing... and you are my friends--what better group to share with?
Thanks for being here with me today.

Click on Photo to View Larger

Cheers and Love~Ivy

Simplyfing my Blog

2011-04-03T10:23:00.000-05:00

I actually loved my last blog theme... it was pretty but there were things that weren't working like I wanted.
I wanted a wider post section to support my photos.
I didn't like how the comments always were overlapped by the date.
The background image {it WAS beautiful} but I felt like everything had to match or coordinate.
The header, although lovely, needs to be simplified. I may keep the photo and change the font OR I will make my own header with my own photos.... still working on that!

So, while I am trying to figure out my new look, please be patient with the re-arranging and the mess. All will be beautiful again soon! Well soon enough anyway. I squeeze in changes between diaper changes | laundry | dishes | various house charming duties etc.

XO
Cheers~Ivy

Color Palette: Construction Blue and Green

2011-03-30T13:14:00.001-05:00

A few photos from my walk downtown Coralville today.

Cheers~Ivy

Anthropologie- What to buy?

2011-03-28T14:16:00.001-05:00

I have an Anthropologie gift card {from my mamma}

.... and I'm scared to use it!

Why am I scared? I can't commit. I can't commit to buying just ONE thing.

If you could buy just one thing

from Anthropologie,

What would it be?

Link up in the comments below or tweet it to me or put it on

Inspirations by Ivy's facebook page.

I will take a look-see, go shopping and then let you know what I chose

{maybe something you suggested!!!}

Cheers~Ivy

Washi Tape, Masking Tape, Happy Tape, whatever you call it--my photo editing experience in Photoshop Elements!

2011-03-27T16:51:00.001-05:00

I have been on a HUNT DOWN for anything that would help me be creative with tape on my blog! I already use fun tape at home... it all started with double sided tape....I can smell it just thinking about it! My friend Gwen gets this about me, we share this addiction!

Today was the first day I had time to just sit at my computer and figure out how to use these FREE downloads in photoshop elements. Honestly, I don't even know how to use photoshop so this is a pretty big step in the world of Ivy!

First, I asked fellow BYW students where to find the tape clip art. A very nice fellow student{and if I could remember what forum I read this in to find her, I would link to her personally!} recommended Pugly Pixel and Creature Comforts. Two amazing blogs that you must visit!
I first watched a video by Pugly Pixel on using photo overlays. This was helpful but I still didn't know the fine details on how to use the digital tape sitting in a file on my desktop. I then went to Powered by Pastries {because Pugly Pixel linked to them} and I watched a very short video on how to make your own tape and it showed how to use it. I was only able to accomplish what I did today because I watched BOTH videos and took notes and paid attention {the twins were sleeping!}.
My test photo is from Envirosax. I bought the owl bag made by them through Infinity Skin Care and Spa and I absolutely love it so I thought you should enjoy it too. Plus in the photo, the owls match the tape but in real life they are more red than pink.
I used the pink gingham tape offered by Pugly Pixel and I attempted to "tape" my photo to my blog.

Here it is:

I am so happy with my very first try. I know someday I will look back and probably giggle at this simple task but today, it was a HUGE deal!

Toni Update: My mom is feeling better today. Her sisters are with her and they are chatting it up. Hopefully tomorrow mom will get her G-Tube placed so she can maybe have less nausea so she can stay at home when these bad bouts happen.
Your generous prayers and well wishes are so appreciated. I am overjoyed with the response from all of you. Thank You.

Cheers and Love~Ivy

Caring Bridge for my mom. Please send your prayers.

2011-03-26T18:30:00.001-05:00

Hello Friends.

My mother, Toni, has come to that point in her treatments where they are just not working very well and they are making her miserable.
I will not type a whole lot here but if you have a moment, Please visit her Caring Bridge and send her a shout out that is uplifting, hopeful, peaceful, accepting or even humorous.
She is actually doing pretty good. If you looked at her, you wouldn't know she was all that sick but she's feisty and stubborn... she won't share all that ales her.

I thank you so much for the support you have already shown. It gets me through my days.
Here is her link: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ToniHartshorn

Cheers and Love Always~Ivy

Blogging Your Way, What's To Come, My Promise to You!

2011-03-22T17:30:00.000-05:00

I can not GUSH enough about the

Blogging Your Way e-course I am finishing up.

I first read about this class on A Creative Mint by Leslie Shewring. The class is taught by both Leslie and Holly Becker of decor8 {isn't that the neatest site title!}. These two women are simply amazing. They have shared a wealth of information in this course. Blogging Your Way is geared toward beginner bloggers and seasoned bloggers alike. They have inspired me with photography, ideas and thoughts on content, techy tips, etiquette, and so many other nuances for this HUGE online network of people. I have met new bloggers that are creative, friendly and giving. All you have to do is ask in the well set up forum and someone will take the time to answer your question! I can't wait for the fall session BYW 2.0!!
As a mom that lives in a fury of house charming and running errands, having the option to download and print the lessons from each class was The Best! I read those printed pages in the car line!!

I have several new things up my sleeve for my little corner of the world. I hope you enjoy the up and coming changes and the evolution of my inspirational blog.

As part of a promise I made to Holly and Leslie, I agreed to share with you 3 new things you can look forward to on this site of mine. These three things WILL happen before June 1st! {there, I said it and I put it in writing... so it must be true!}

Here they are:

1} An entire ABOUT ME page! Oh yes, I am going to do it... I am going to talk all about me. How easy is that?!!!
2} I am going to start a facebook page just for my inspirational blog. I have been putting posts up for my family and friends but now I need to put them up for the world! You can become a fan! {soon} and see my little lovelies show up in your facebook stream... are you excited? I am! WOot WoOt!
3} This is the hard one.... something I could do to/for my blog to make it better and to reflect me and this blog's true light.... I think I'm gonna commit to a blog make-over. IDK... I've been thinking about this for months! It is a lot of work to do a make-over... Mainly, I want to change the shape more than the color etc. but I think I need to hire this job out. Use my photography in the header. Make my post section wider to highlight my photos and creations. Simplify the look and fix some of the quirks that are annoying but doable {which would explain why I haven't fixed them yet}. This would be my biggest challenge. A challenge that will take time from my typical wife/mommy/nurse schedule.

Are you with me? Do you think I can do it? {I'm taking two more e-courses, one in April and one in May--we have birthdays, trips home to see family, a wedding and guests coming. I think I may have bitten off more than I can chew. I am going to need some cheerleaders!}

OK.... time to get organized. I have a lot of work ahead of me!

Cheers~Ivy

A day in the Life of Ivy

2011-03-21T09:05:00.000-05:00

We went to Chicago this last weekend of Spring Break.
A mom, A dad, and FOUR kiddos.
Embassy Suites, Shedd Aquarium
Free Breakfast, Free Happy Hour
Swimming and more Swimming {oddly, no photos of the swimming!}

{click on photo to see larger image}

It is Always nice to come home
House was cleaned before we left {thanks to Bubba}
Weather was nice when we got back
Sidewalk Chalk was calling my name
The big kids rode bikes
The little dudes helped me with chalk--
chased balls
rode trikes
played in water

Here are some of our creations
{you will notice, I was thinking about plaid}

Cheers~Ivy

How to be Happy

2011-03-18T00:05:00.000-05:00

"Ivy, how are you so happy all the time?" I get asked this question, a lot! {and no, it's not from drugs} Do you ever think about happiness?
I would guess that we are born mostly happy and our life shapes us to be a happier person or a more negative person. {I don't have formal training on this... just speaking aloud through my blog}
I MOST Definitely followed the happy route. Which would explain why people ask me at different times how I stay sooo positive, happy, passionate in my marriage, loving as a mother, helpful as a friend and so forth.

My answer-- I work at it. I choose it. I make it happen. I surround myself with love and good people. I let go of the bad--immediately! I talk things out, I share my worries and then realize they were nothing to worry about. I forgive myself. I take chances and hope for the best. I smile and I laugh....and if there isn't anything funny--I look for it.
I wouldn't say it is hard to be happy but I wouldn't say it is easy. I have to find creative ways to make time for myself... this is probably one of the harder parts. If I can take care of me, I can take care of my family, friends, neighbors and all of my loved ones.
I'm not always happy... just ask Mr. Ivy and my kiddos. My family has seen my worst moments and they are usually the ones that get me out of my funk.

So that little ditty is what I came to say today. A little bit of me just for you.

This weekend, CHICAGO!! I'm excited to play with the kids and have fun! {and eat BBQ!} {and kiss my husband--we are very cute kissers!}

Cheers and Love to you all~
Ivy

Color Palette--Inspiring Ivy

2011-03-14T06:30:00.001-05:00

{please click on photo for larger view}

My Blog Palette

Created by Me

I think in my blog header, I'm going to change "colorful hues" to "happy hues"... colorful hues seems redundant *grin*. What do you think?

In the hopefully near future... I want to change my blog template HOWEVER since this one was a pre-made-- not by blogger, I can't simply change the template and keep the colors etc. What I would like is just two columns... delete the left column and widen the center post column. I need to do some research on how to do this. If what I read in an email correspondence is correct, I should just change to a different template and then use this background and header... sounds easy but once I switch over to HTML.... I'm illiterate. I can do some things but not anything fancy. We'll see how ambitious I am over the next few months.

This week is Spring Break. Lots of time spent with the big kids while the little kids go to school. A quick trip to Chicago is also part of the plan! I am enjoying my Blogging Your Way class. I didn't get to dive in this week as much as I had hoped {busy week with home/work, kid's school, my mom in the hospital etc.} Maybe this coming week will offer more time to work on class stuff.

Cheers~Ivy

Color Palette--Paris Mint for Master Bathroom

2011-03-13T13:58:00.000-05:00

Below I am sharing my color palette creation inspired by a set of photos I purchased from Little Brown Pen for my master bathroom. I haven't decorated the bathroom yet... it is in the works and should come along nicely with my now complete inspiration palette.
Please visit Little Brown Pen if you need beautiful and colorful inspiration from Paris or Fine Art Photos for your home. I would do a room with each color set of hers {if I had that many rooms!}

{click on picture for larger view}

Color palette created using Colour Lover's create software, it's FREE. You can view my other palettes here.

Today's Sunday Creative over at Madeline Bea's is Soul. I don't have a photo that would really depict that word HOWEVER, today's post touched my soul... my creative soul and IT. FELT. GREAT!

Cheers~Ivy

My Weekend List

2011-03-12T09:22:00.000-06:00

Two: Sunday Creative

2011-03-06T19:49:00.000-06:00

It has been awhile since I have participated in the Sunday Creative hosted by Meagan from Madeline Bea. She is one of my favorite bloggers/photographers/creative souls AND she is one of the very few that I read daily.

Straight from her blog:

March 6-12

My very first thought, my twins. They are currently two and there are two of them. I have a few Photo Booth photos to share with you and one of me the night before I went in to deliver.
Enjoy!

Isn't this last photo hilarious?

My belly looks fake *grin*

I assure you, it was real, very real!

Cheers~Ivy

Tomorrow will be busy!

2011-02-28T15:57:00.000-06:00

Inspirations by Ivy

Motherhood

#StrongIsTheNewSkinny

Long Day

She's always in my thoughts and a PS at the bottom

2012: Balance | Life | Photography | Art

Kiddo New Year Resolutions {DIY link!}

Parchment, Packages and Pretties

Colour Lovers

Balance: My 2012 Theme

It's Here!

Towler Photography

Family, Brave Mother's and Daughters, iPhone pics

Jones Design Company and a little update from me

Guest Post: Eileen

Blogging Your Way, I miss you!

Unplugged

Towler Photography

Autumn Boots

I miss you

I'm raising good husbands!

The Creative Connection Event!

Guarantee, Just Sayin' and a Did you know?

Mac-N-Cheese Flowers

Gratitude: Family and Friends--they get you through

Blogger has me a little irritated... Anyone have a cure for this html mishap?

Gratitude: My Husband {and a little bit of Rodeo!}

Guest Post: Kimberly

We are home!

Guest Post: McKinzie

Guest Post: Rachel

Guest Post: Heather

Guest Post: Jayde

Guest Post: Abby

Guest Post: Christina

Guest Post: Desha

Guest Post: Casey

Guest Post: Elyse

Guest Post: Sam

Photo Challenge: Water

How to have Fun in the Heat! {Part 2}

Does a post have to have a title?

Queen Anne's Lace

Golden Fluff

Come be a Guest Blogger right here!!!

Autumn Anticipation

Business Card

My Yearly Smearly

Happy Independence Day!

A gift to make me smile after a long and emotional day.

New flower pic's plus PSE brushes and watermarks tutorial

Thank You and a link to a Freebie by Deluxe Modern!

Photo splat that will make you hungry!

Dear 16 Year Old Me

Brownie Camera, Tiki Torches, Sunshine and Flag Football

Send a Card Please

Missouri River Flooding, Hospice, Travel, Summer Woes

Cheery Cherries!

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Brave Girl's Club

Color or Black & White

Lilacs and Sun

Clean Start

The Secret To Success

DIY: A Thoughtful Mother's Day Gift

How to have Fun in the Heat!

Susan G. Komen: Race for the Cure in Sioux City, Iowa 2011

S l o w p o s t i n g . . .

Monday Morning News

"I've never wished a man dead,

but I have read some obituaries

with great pleasure."

~ Mark Twain

Magnolia Tree Blossoms 3

A place to RESTORE {for Wordless Wednesday}

From one Mother to Another

Happy Easter

Reboot Your Reality:On this Christian holiday that celebrates rebirth and transformation, reflect on which habits you could shed or new practices that could make you feel revitalized.

{borrowed words from my Whole Living email}

Cheers~Ivy

Reboot Your Reality:
On this Christian holiday that celebrates rebirth and transformation, reflect on which habits you could shed or new practices that could make you feel revitalized.