Be Inspired! Quote After Quote!

Albert Einstein 1879-1955
I love the internet for many reasons. For one, the immediate access to unlimited quotes, pretty much for anything you search for. It's amazing how much a couple of short sentences can say. I wanted to share some quotes that caught my eye. Take a moment, focus and read them slowly. They are powerful and inspiring, I just had to share.

My Top 10 List
1. Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
2. Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
3. A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.
4. Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them.
5. Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.
6. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.
7. The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.
8. Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.
9. Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.
10. Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted.

2011 Countdown!

Photograph from Susannah Tucker Etsy shop

Polaroid Daydreams by Susannah Tucker - 2011 Calendar
I love this time of year for many reasons, like breathtaking fall colors, winter holidays and NEW calendars. Oh boy, and on Etsy there are so many great options. Actually, it makes it hard just to pick one. Lately, I've spent too much time just browsing. It's addicting. I love being inspired by all the beautiful, clever and unique ideas out there. This year... calendars are going to be my gift for all! Take a peak at this calendar treasury!

Have you found one on Etsy you just can't live without? Please leave the link in the comments... I would love to know! This one's on top of my list right now. All this calendar talk makes me think I should have a calendar giveaway soon!

Etsy Treasury Time!

Aqua Envy - curated by Studio Seventy Five
Yesterday, I received a message from Studio Seventy Five letting me know she picked one of my prints to be featured in her Etsy treasury. So excited, had to share. And it's so lovely, I love aqua! I really can't just pick one favorite but my top two favorites are Seeds and Stones Arrowhead Pendant and the Atlas Glass Jar Soap Dispenser. Hey hubby if you're reading, hint hint! What do you think? Which one's your favorite? Seriously... that dog is too cute!

2011 Calendar - Artsy Birdies

2011 Handmade Calendar - Artsy Birdies - Original Illustration

Funny thing...  who knew I liked drawing birds so much! 
These illustrations are all heart and soul. I really enjoyed taking my time to create each month so uniquely. Creative freedom is such a blessing! I don't mind long days and a stiff back... because I get to be an artist. That's what it's all about. Art is my passion and my life. Maybe I like drawing them so much because they are a symbol of freedom. I'm so excited to share this calendar. The look and style really feels like me, so Anita. Well, I hope you enjoy them!

How can you resist... a warm popover?

A popover is a light, hollow roll made from an egg batter similar to that used in making Yorkshire pudding. The name "popover" comes from the fact that the batter swells or "pops" over the top of the muffin tin while baking. They can also be baked in individual custard cups.

So now that you know what a popover is... you must try one. They are not hard to make and oh so good! My mother-in-law made them for us awhile back and I never forgot them. Now I have my own pan... watch out we are batter crazy!! Enjoy!

Regular Popovers
1 6-cup Popover Pan
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 6 even pieces
1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted

Oil or spray pan. Preheat oven to 400〫and set rack in middle of oven. Prehead popover pan in oven about 2 minutes. Blend flour, salt, eggs, milk and melted butter until mixture is the consistency of heavy cream, about 1 to 2 minutes. This can be mixed in a food processor, blender, electric mixer, or with a hand mixer. The batter can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Batter should be used at room temperature.

Place one small piece of butter in each cup and place back in preheated oven until butter is bubbly, about 1 minute. Fill each cup half full with batter and bake 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 300〫and continue baking 20 minutes.

Makes 6 popovers. Serve with butter, jams or other sweet or savory spreads.

It's Pumpkin Patch Time Again!

Rock Creek Farm Pumpkin Patch
Home of the "U-Pick-Em" Pumpkin Patch! Over 100 acres filled with corn mazes, pumpkin patches, petting zoos and hay rides. This year we left with a whopping five pumpkins... we've got a lot of carving ahead of us. If you've never been to a pumpkin patch, it's worth a visit!! Even if you don't plan on buying any pumpkins. It's not everyday you get to enjoy walking a round such a beautiful setting. We were so fortunate to have a perfect Colorado fall day with blue skies and a cool breeze. Have a little extra time? Try the corn mazes... too much fun!  Now for a little hot cider and the classic "It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" to complete the day!

Think Positive... everyday!

2011 Calendar - Think Positive - 12 Months of Motivational Sayings

Sometimes we need reminders to stay on track. It's true for me. It's been one year since I left the agency world. Everyone thought I was crazy to leave a secure job in a growing agency but, the light was off for me. I flat-lined at work. It was time for a change. I was ready to go back to my roots, making art by hand and having creative freedom. I took the plunge and started my own business, it's sayings like these that help me push forward when I start to doubt myself. Now, one year later, I am happy and proud that I took a chance on myself!

I leave you with 12 positive sayings!
1. Believe it can be done.
2. Put your heart into it.
3. Welcome change.
4. Dream big.
5. Believe in yourself.
6. Always do your best.
7. Smile. It's contagious.
8. Do something unexpected.
9. Live one day at a time.
10. Think positive.
11. Laugh often.
12. Be yourself.

Wabi-Sabi - The beauty of imperfection!

Burnt Sienna Wabi Sabi Buttons by Glazed Over

Wabi-Sabi (Japanese concept) - A way of living that focuses on finding beauty within the imperfections of life and accepting peacefully the natural cycle of growth and decay.

I love this concept! This past summer I went on the hunt for some display items for my table for an art festival. I took a trip to local thrifts stores and found some amazing pieces. All with the character, style, color and charm I was looking for. You can really get lost in all the items and the stories they tell, like a chipped ceramic cookie jar or a splintered wooden goose or even a tattered story book. I will definitely be back just to browse... so many treasures to be discovered! Challenge yourself to get out and look around you... what do you see? Find your "wabi-sabi"!

Friday Favorites - Feels Like Fall!

It's Friday and we have gray skies here in Colorado. I think there was a dusting of snow in the mountains. I love this time of year... makes me want to get a cozy scarf and grab a hot cup of coffee. My goal today, take it easy and enjoy the day. I've been going non-stop for a couple of weeks and ready to just relax. If you have the time, take a break... it's Friday after all. Take a moment for yourself, I am! So I thought I'd share some comfy, cozy, relaxing, fall finds. Pssst... I think there is a nap in my near future!

1. Cinnamon Chocolate Malt biscotti by Whimsy and Spice
2. Good Friends... limited edition giclee print of an original illustration by helendardik
3. Crisp Autumn Soap - Cold Process Natural Soap by Elegant Rose Boutique
4. Cloisters Linen Tea Towel by giardino
5. Genevieve III Cowl - Kid Mohair Blend Knit Neckwarmer / Scarf by Tickled Pink Knits

Busy little bee... that's me!

Bumblina Bee Girl Print by The Poppy Tree

Just a quick post to share this cute print. And also to let everyone know I'm the busy bee! Lovin' it, and getting ready to get back to some new calendars designs and right after that, holiday cards. The list doesn't end there... so as you can see I really am a busy bee! When you get a chance check out The Poppy Tree, so many lovelies in that shop Back to work!

Halloween Decor - Gift Guide

Halloween Decor from Etsy

Can you believe it... October 1st already? Wow, that only means Halloween is really creeping up. In the spirit of ghost and goblins I thought I'd put together a little gift guide from Etsy. Get ready for your Halloween party and trick or treaters with these cool creations.

1. Printable Halloween Spirit Label Set by Print Your Party
2. Halloween Ghost Card Holder No. 17 by Bloom and Barnacle
3. Tombstone Chalkboard by Canton Box Company
4. Witch's Brew Halloween Burlap Pillow Slip by Jolie Marche
5. Halloween Gourd Jack-O-Lantern ( Jack Skellington ) by Pinch Me Boutique

Gift Guides!
This got me thinking, I should share more gift guides like this for your girlfriends, boyfriend, hubby, mom, dad, co-workers, that person that has everything, etc... That way if you're pressed for time or just can't think of anything, you can take advantage of the gift guides for some inspiration or find the perfect gift. And if you find something you like... put it on your wish list. More gift guides coming soon!