One Word Resolutions

This year while taking the requisite time to brainstorm resolutions, I thought what if I picked one word to encompass all of my resolutions? 

My word...

C O U R A G E

cour·age noun \ˈkər-ij, ˈkə-rij 

: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

 

My goal is to have courage this year. Courage to change up my daily routine and hit the gym before work. Courage to move by myself to a studio. Courage to try the things that scare me. What will your word be?

 

 

Have a lovely New Years Eve, wherever you are and whatever you are doing. I have a feeling 2011 is going to be quite a wonderful year. 

 via flickr

 

Random Musings from Sun Valley

We have yet to hit the slopes (tomorrow's the day) but Sun Valley has really been lovely so far. The days since we have been here have been filled with reading, scrap-booking and enjoying our surroundings. 

While sitting by the window working on my sister's scrapbook of her Paris trip, this little guy showed up at the window. After further research we determined that he is an ermine (yes the kind they make coats out of, poor guy) We named him Herman the ermine. He's pretty cute.

 

I am also reading a very interesting book about the history of various parts of the home. Before you yawn, check it out. It is from celebrated author Bill Bryson and moves along at a quick pace keeping the reader very interested.

 

Right now we are on our way for a winter walk around the neighborhood. Hope you are having a lovely break so far and if you are at work, not working too hard.

 

 

Top 11 Reasons to Love January 2011

I must admit that January is not on the top of my list as the most exciting month of the year but this time, I am determined to look at it positively. Here are 11 reasons to be excited about January:

1. Your weekends are free again

via
 
2. A chance to use all of the gifts that you got over the holidays.

via
 
3. A long weekend for MLK day.

 

via

4. Still a sense of optimism about your New Years resolutions.




5. Excuse to drink wine and read by the fire--it is still winter.

via 


6. There are still Christmas cookies in the freezer.

via
 
7. Now's the perfect time to plan your Spring vacation.

via  

8. Embrace furry winter coats and play in the snow.  

marie claire 

9. After plenty of December family time, it's YOU time in January. 

via


10. A chance to try something new--a new recipe, a new gym class.

Country Living

11. You are one month closer to spring. Pick out a beautiful bouquet to remind yourself.

via

Baby It's Cold Outside

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I know I did. We are off to Sun Valley in the morning where the temperature is in the minuses (ie -24 as a low one day) Looks like its time to bundle up, read a good book and hopefully hit the slopes. 

As you look ahead to New Years resolutions and maybe that family time gets to you a bit, it might be wise to remind ourselves of the serenity prayer...

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
 

courage to change the things I can,
 

and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time.

Enjoying one moment at a time.

Leavn' on a Jet Plane

I'm off to Seattle for Christmas. Not sure how often I'll be checking in but my wish for you this season is warm fires, yummy dinners, and time to regroup.

Here are some beautiful images to leave you with. 

  flickr, for the world to see (great blog with beautiful pics)

Deck the Halls

I'm a little late in posting these pics but here's how our apartment was decorated this year. Mostly natural with a little bit of sparkle.

 

A little color in your life...

It being Monday, I thought that today we could use a little spice, a little colorful Jonathan Adler for Liz Lange (in House Beautiful mag).

I love the bright colors, airy feel and graphic accents. 

Enjoy!

Easy Holiday Homemade Present

Those of you that know me, know that I already have my presents bought and wrapped, sitting under the tree. But for those of you that don't yet, there is still a bit of time until Christmas. 

This weekend, I made my co-workers a little Christmas treat to thank them for another wonderful year (to those of you that are reading this, you are giving away your surprise!) 

Bark is an easy thing to make and if you package it nicely it makes a great last-minute present. I got my recipe from Ina Garten you can find it here. I made both dark and white chocolate versions with cashews and candied orange and cranberries and pistachios, respectively. It didn't take very long and turned out delicious. Mmmm.

Ruby Slippers

One more photo I couldn't resist sharing before the weekend...