You may recall from this post I've been yearning for some personal creative time. As an introvert, a quiet sabbatical at home seemed the perfect solution to renew my creative mojo. I have a tendency to work, work, work with a self imposed need to accomplish business tasks first and foremost in my day. I suppose if I were on a therapists couch (namely you at this moment) we would discuss why I embrace hard work over things that may or may not produce tangible assets - such as an empty calendar. And although it's taken me years to realize the value of creative breaks (and be ok with the fact it's basically "me" time) I firmly believe I should have been scheduling them all along and have plans to continue exploring this new routine without guilt or expectation.

Tomorrow marks the first day of my lengthy staycation. I've blocked out my calendar for some much needed rest, creative play time, and general puttering about the house. At first I thought I'd make a big list of things to accomplish but it felt restrictive and had the nuance of work so I decided to nix the idea altogether. Mostly I want to decorate a few rooms, hike green trails, read from my book pile, and pick up my camera more often. I feel like a kid whose parents have promised them a trip to Disneyland. Giddy with nervous energy and excitement.

Do you love round up posts? I do. Biggest selling points - they're condense and generally contain a variety of topics, products, or tips. It's like one-stop shopping. Here are a few things on my radar at the moment.

This is one of those happy accident recipes that has found itself in heavy rotation in our kitchen. It began with a solitary weekend at home while my husband was away on a scuba diving trip. All I wanted to do after weeks of traveling was to stay home in my pj's and have a Netflix marathon. It's a lightened up, protein packed version of my favorite comfort food with a healthy dose of veggies to replace most of the rice found in your standard fried rice recipes. I like mine on the spicy side but feel free to adjust the heat level to whatever strikes your fancy.

I've always loved reading interviews of inspiring women who do creative and interesting work. It seems now more than ever there are endless opportunities as to what a business might look like and how one might go about achieving success. Finding trailblazers who are building their businesses off the beaten path of corporate board meetings are in a way, sharing their gifts with those of us who aspire to achieve something meaningful in what we do for a living. In my line of work as an editor and stylist I've come across dozens of just such women, many of whom I consider friends, and I thought it would be great for you to get to know some of them as well.

Laurie Furber is one remarkably talented lady. Her company Elsie Green is a frequent haunt of prop stylists, antique dealers and collectors, as well as designers looking for the perfect item that will stand out from the offerings of the big box stores. She imports containers from around the globe and the selection never ceases to make me want all. the. things! In addition, she believes in environmentally friendly design and giving back to her community through charitable causes close to her heart. I know you will adore her just as much as I do!

in·ten·tion:   /inˈten(t)SH(ə)n/    a thing intended; an aim or plan.

We've turned the corner on another year and I have to say I'm feeling very optimistic about the possibilities that come with a bright new set of 365 days. My mind has been traipsing in and out of thoughts on how to make it more meaningful both personally and professionally. For years my husband and I have sat down on the 1st and written out our yearly goals as a couple. They've included things we hope to accomplish together like building a house, financial projections, vacation plans, and personal ones of more time spent together doing this or that. Our small annual "board" meeting helps guide the ship as we touch on them every month or so to get a sense of where we're headed.

I thought it might be nice to break up my travel posts with more current daily life happenings. Going through thousands of vacation photos can seem like a mind numbing vortex and it's feeling a bit overwhelming to try and play catch up. So let's just jump back and forth, shall we?

Have I mentioned that we have a rescue pup named Liberty? She's a Bochi - half Boston Terrier, half Chihuahua. She's the result of a botched breeding attempt by the Boston Terriers owner. They couldn't sell the puppies as pure bred Bostons and had plans to take her and her sister to the pound. My husband drove 3 hours to rescue both. Hence the name Liberty - freedom from the shelter! Her sister, Henrietta lives with our daughter and now they have play dates.