sumpretty

I like to focus on the goodness in the world. I believe the more you fill your headspace with positivity, the more of that you will bring into your life (and hopefully those around you.)

Take Sevenly, for example, they make these super cool t-shirts. Proceeds go to helping important charities like feeding starving children in Haiti. There are new t-shirts every week to choose from. Lovely.

H&M is also creating good karma with their new recycled line, appropriately called the Conscious collection. Love the floral prints and the prices. Also love being conscious, don’t you?

Some sugary goodness, incorporating the seasonal Peeps we all love so much: Meet the Peeps Cake Batter Bars, by Cookies and Cups.

A final thought about goodness:

Where does the time go? Nowhere really, if you think about it. It’s all about priorities. Oh, and don’t forget spring forward Sunday. Speaking of priorities…I happened upon the country cook blog and this banana pudding poke cake.

Had.to.share. I had no idea what a poke cake is, and now happily I do.

I am happy to see that the boyfriend jean is in this season. I am burnt on skinny. Let’s all get baggy. Thank you Atlantic-Pacific for being so stylish.

Thank you Morrissey for helping me stay on the meatless track. And for being so intriguing. Do you think my hubby would like this decal on the wall in our abode?

It’s nearly Easter, which means more fun with peeps. The only kinda bunny I would ever eat.

Peace out for now.

Time to get back to basics…my love for chocolate and specifically, hot cocoa. If you have not been paying attention lately, there’s more to the beverage than Swiss Miss.

Exhibit A: Hot cocoa cake balls ala Sugar Derby.

Exhibit B: Mexican hot cocoa cake.

Exhibit C: Fresh mint hot cocoa (Thank you not without salt.)

If this is all too fancy – just throw a peppermint stick into your cocoa. You will be happy. Or grind one up into your chocolate milk shake. Life is way too short to not get a little decadent from time to time. Remember: No whining over spilled cocoa – or anything for that matter.

This might be my favorite time of year — if it was only 80 degrees outside it would be even better. It’s a hopeful time, a renewing phase with so much opportunity. Forget last year and live right NOW. I think Eckhart Tolle said something like that — and he is pretty wise.

What else is very wise is to start planning the next vacation now. Something to look forward to is always nice. You won’t catch me in a trailer, but I do like this one.

Is it smart to ever wear a shirt with the F word on it? I wonder about that.

It’s always wise to have a Beethoven bust in your world. I actually have one of these I inherited from my dad — but it’s a copper color. I love it.

Fresh fruit is always a good idea. I know that for a fact. A Beautiful Mess knows how to make one mean smoothie – healthy too!

It’s not quite New Years yet, but I have been thinking about my resolutions. I think putting them out there will help me remember and stick with them…so here we go.

Live in gratitude each day – writing down things I am grateful for every morning and keeping that at the forefront of my mind.

Practice non-judgment and acceptance of others.

Give to others – compliments, gifts, prayers, love, encouragement…

Try new things and get out there in the world a little bit more.

Say yes more often than no to new experiences.

Challenge myself in new areas.

Laugh alot, bake more and eat less (this will be the challenge)!

Speaking of baking, I keep seeing this recipe for nutella cinnamon buns for Christmas morning. It’s a sign! So I guess I will have to make em…

Love this sleepy little bird and his COLORS! Gorgeous nature is all around us.

One more resolution for me!

Did I mention scarves are like the perfect holiday gift?

Peace out for now.

Love this season, and love shopping for others. Fave presents of the season? Any of the Sephora gift sets, warm, cozy scarves and ponchos. Homemade banana bread also.

It’s the gesture that truly counts.

When in doubt, share a succulent. Just lovely!

Holiday recipe of the day/amazing gift idea:

Cannot help but share this holiday treat – homemade lavender hot cocoa.

So what’s the real secret to anti-aging? Being happy, free of anger or other destructive emotions.  Oh yeah, and a little Botox goes a long way. Forget all of those $200 creams. Just slap on some sunscreen and you are good to go.

When all else fails, bake some black and white red velvet cookies – and give some away. It’s sweet on multiple levels. Thank you Joy the Baker!

Being excited about the future and optimistic that 2013 is going to be a fantastic year helps to create that…at least in my experience.  This calendar is lovely.

Also in the lovely category: Wrapping a sweet gift in a lightweight scarf. Brilliant.

I just love him and this shop on Etsy.

If you have people who love you and people you love in your life, be grateful. If you have your health, be very grateful. If you have a job, and a roof over your head…extremely grateful!! Can you imagine what the world would be like if we all focused on what we had instead of what was missing?

Ok, back to the usual stuff. Why not break T-day tradition with some stuffing muffins this year? Kinda love this. Thank you Cozy Kitchen.

Grateful for people creative enough to invent the tree bookcase. Amazing.

Just beat it! Grateful for humor. and this must-have doormat. coming to my doorstep shortly.

Oversized sweaters. Perfect place to hide the extra lbs. that occur between Thanksgiving and New Years.

Thank you. xox.

Every day can be the start of something new (new mantras, new attitudes, new workout routines!). It’s kind of amazing how we can make that choice each day, if we want to! In the end, it’s truly up to us to decide what sort of life we want to have.

Can you imagine starting your day with a perfectly stenciled latte? BEST. idea. ever! Of course it’s on Etsy.

Not sure how to begin the day? Follow your heart. LOVE this print.

No matter where you are in your day, take time to bond with the good people in your life. That’s what it is all about!

When all else fails, make some of Stefano’s apple fritters. My mom used to make these when I was a kid. I blame her entirely for my snobbery when it comes to homemade desserts!

Just a handful of something is usually enough, right? Enter the evidence: Butternut squash hand pies from A Cozy Kitchen.

The beautiful thing is that our future is in our hands. So Go Vote! I vote for this flannel shirt. fave thing to wear in fall and winter!

With Halloween just a few days away – I would be remiss if I didn’t share the coolest cupcakes I have ever seen. Axe murderer cupcakes. Learn how to make them at One Charming Party.

When you are done trick or treating, eating and voting – take some time to chill. This little guy has the right idea.