I’m 15 weeks along anxiously waiting for Baby Thompson to arrive.  Of course, we’re dying to find out whether it’s a boy or girl, but in the meantime, I have always dreamt of the nursery having a happy little sky for the baby to look up at.

We’ve been watching a lot of Bob Ross lately on 8 Create before we go to bed.  On a side note, we’ve also decided due to his positive encouragement and soothing voice, that our child will watch 30 minutes of Bob Ross everyday, but I digress.  On Saturday, feeling inspired by his encouragement to make happy little clouds and trees, I set about turning the ceiling of our nursery into a sunny little sky I think Bob would have liked.

Bobby applied a base coat of Valspar “Clear Blue Sky” last weekend.  I started out first by drawing a diagram of the room and mapping out where the clouds would go.  Mixing part bright white with some of my blue, I set about laying in the base of the clouds with a 4” chip brush and blending with a longer natural brush.  Using 3”chip brushes, I added shadows with a mixture of “Lavender Escape” and blue and then highlights with pure white.  Then everything was blended in a circular motion with the natural brush.  4 Hours later, we had clouds!  I also think I have carpel tunnel, but I think it was worth it!

I’ve had an iPod Touch for years, which gave me a good excuse not to upgrade, but with a trip to NYC coming up and the looming fear of getting lost in the big bad city, I made the switch and never looked back.

Of course I have it hooked up to both my work and personal email accounts, I love the iPod, and I would be lost without the blue dot, but mostly I am in love with the way that it has helped me streamline and integrate my passions into my online life.  I am able to interact with my company’s online fan base in a matter of seconds no matter what day it is.  I can share the way I view the world with my photography.  I can let off some steam by winning a few rounds of Angry Birds.  I’m still after that last elusive golden egg!

For all of you apple users out there, here are some of my favorite apps of the moment! iTunes links to each app are included and most are available for the iPad as well.

Instagram:  I am obsessed with this photo sharing application.  It’s basically a photo blogging site that allows users from across the globe to connect through imagery.  I have been so inspired by some of the images I’ve seen on here.  And it’s so easy to use.  Simply hit the share button, choose a photo filer and set a blur mode if you’re interested and post.  Some of my favorite photographers are @bakerella, @ nejimeji, @fromlondonwithlove, @dailyinspiration, and @prettyshinysparkly.

Here are some of my favorite pics!  You can follow me @omg_imsoexcited  or  CLICK HERE!

Words With Friends:

Ok this far from a new app, in fact I play with a few of you.  Words with friends not only allows me to work my brain a bit but mostly, it allows me to feel a connection to friends who are spread out across the country.  It actually brings such a smile to my face when I get a push notification that says, “Your move with Meredith!”  And when you get into a round of play after play, it almost feels like you could be there together playing over coffee.

Gratitude!

This app has the cutest logo and reminds me to be present and thankful!  When things are going well, or when you’re in the middle of a pity party, it’s important to take a step back and be thankful for all of the blessings in your life.  When you look back on all of your entries, you’ll realize you just have to look at things with the right perspective to get through each day.

Sprinkles

Yes, this famous cupcake bakery now has it’s own app and it’s AWESOME!  You can check the flavors of the day, check out upcoming specialty flavors, and even send your friends a cupcake of any kind, right from the app.  Tell them happy birthday, or just send some frosted warm fuzzies! For a little extra fun, see how quickly to you can beat the fondant design memory game!

Gift Guru

This recommendation is a little timely as it helps me coordinate all of my Christmas gifts as well as throughout the year.  With a budget guide and best price finder for gift ideas, you’ll never have to try to remember a gift list again.

http://www.myclaireburke.com/wordpress/2011/10/28/home-spray-on-stage/

We’ve been wanting to do a creative project together for quite a while. After returning from NYC Fashion Week thoroughly inspired (more on that later), we got together one afternoon at Chateau Charleston in Scottsdale to see what trouble we could get into. We had just 2 hours of sunlight to work with, so it was a crunch to get 4 looks done, but we pulled it off and the results were fantastic! I’m looking forward to our next go-round when we tackle some more ambitious art-inspired shots. Below are our favorites from the shoot!

More images after the break!

Click on any of the small images below to see larger versions!

His stinging words hung in the air as I kept walking towards the streetlight stunned and mortified.  My friend walked back and told them off before rushing to my side, hoping I hadn’t heard them.   We crossed the street and got about a half a block before I caught my reflection in a restaurant window.  The damage was done and I stopped abruptly on the sidewalk.  Hot tears began to stream down my cheeks. Why would anyone say something like that?  I couldn’t make sense of it.  Burying my face in my hands, I broke down.

The world around me was frozen, and as I cried, my friend hugged me and said, ”You’re beautiful.”  In a moment like that, when you should be saying thank you for your support all I could do was sob more. Suddenly it felt like all the air had been sucked out of the world and as I struggled to catch my breath, the nasty voice inside my head taunted me. He just said what everyone else was thinking.

As violent thoughts raged in my head, I pulled myself together and holding my friend’s hand, we walked to the car.  I wanted to go back, to do something, to say something, but we both knew that was pointless. The words pathetic, ugly, and stupid were swirling in my mind.   I couldn’t believe I’d walked away without standing up for myself.

Have we really become so base as a society, that the need to filter our words with decency and tact is not a common trait but something to be wished for in a select few? I talk to people all the time about how our world has become so cynical and judgmental that the term “moral compass” is an archaic term. When did it become ok to say everything that’s on your mind with no regard to how it will affect those around you?

And when did I become so submissive to an even crueler voice in the world? My own. Self-deprecation is my defense mechanism of choice.  I usually take the position that I’d rather point out my faults before you do and I think it drives my closest friends crazy.  I cut myself down all the time, often in front of others. So why should I be upset that this man voiced words I assume people around me are thinking already?  Who gave me the right to be my own worst enemy?

My goal in writing this is twofold:  One, to get it out and move on with my life, and two, to remind me to be kinder to myself.

It would be trite of me to say just a few hours later, “Isn’t this a great lesson?  I’ve learned to love myself through this experience!”  There is no excuse for what happened other than some people are hateful and cruel.  But it did open my eyes to the realization that I need to be more vigilant in the area of taking care of myself.  Had I been more self-confident, I might have walked away with a bit more dignity and my head held high.

When I was about 14, I vividly remember my father coming home from work a little later than usual and sitting me down to tell me a story.  He drove the same route home every night from work, and often times he would see a homeless man resting in front of a church.  That night, he saw the same man and something made my father turn the car around.  He drove to the nearest gas station, bought a sandwich, some water, a pack hostess cupcakes and a carton of milk.  He drove back to the church, got out of the car and walked over.  He gently set the food down next to the man and smiled.  I’m not certain what words were exchanged but remember that he had quietly thanked my father as he walked back to his car and drove away.   After he told me this story, he reminded me that no matter what had happened during my day or whatever I might be upset by, that I should be aware of the blessed life that I had with a roof over my head and a loving family to come home to every night.

I remember admiring my Dad’s compassion, but also his bravery.  There was no telling how the situation could have ended.  I was glad he had helped someone in need, but I also felt afraid.  I was worried about what could have happened if a well-meant gesture had gone wrong.

Today was a long day.  It’s been a long month in fact.  Everything scheduled to the minute.  Hectic busy days, lots of work and notably a lot of fun times as well.  But I have found myself to be very consumer minded as of late and just last week was complaining to my husband that I just don’t feel we have “enough”.  I had lost sight of my father’s example and become completely wrapped up in how much I dislike my kitchen countertops.

When I got home late tonight from work, I was too tired to cook, so I ran out to get some sandwiches for Bobby and I.  On the way, I called my friend for a quick chat.  As I parked my car in front of the sandwich shop, I was still bemoaning my crazed day as I saw a middle-aged man walk past my car.  Still chatting, I watched him walk to the garbage can in front of the shop, reach in and pull out a crumpled piece of wax paper and set it on a table.  I stopped, unable to breathe, as I watched him carefully unfold the paper and begin to eat the leftover food that had been thrown away.

I quickly got off the phone and walked across the parking lot.  Not knowing quite what I was doing, but determined to do something.  Before I could get to him, he had thrown the now empty wrapping back into the trash and gone into the nearby coffee shop.  I saw him go into the restroom from the window and my heart sank.  I felt terrible that I hadn’t acted sooner and once in the shop I could barely concentrate as the boy behind the counter asked me what I wanted.  I didn’t really feel so hungry anymore.  I just wanted to make it right.  I wanted to make the world right.  Disoriented and trying to compose myself, I saw the man from the parking lot again, this time walking right in front of the shop.  I stopped mid sentence and ran outside. Then I froze.

I took in a gulp of air and jogged after him. This could be dangerous.  This is stupid.  What are you doing running after some random person in a parking lot?  All of these things racing through my mind, but another voice was louder.  You have to try to help.

He stopped hesitantly and turned around.  I told him that I didn’t mean to embarrass him but that I had seen him before.  I put my hand on his arm and said, “Can I buy you a sandwich?”  He looked surprised and shook his head no.  I asked again, “I’d really like to buy you a meal.  I even have a coupon.  Would that be ok?”

He looked at me and said, “That’s ok ma’am, I have some money.”  He got out an old leather sunglass case and sort of opened and shut it quickly.  There was nothing in it.  He smiled at me reassuringly and said “I’m ok, but thank you.”  And then he walked away.

I can’t really remember what I ate for dinner tonight. And I really wish that he had let me buy him some food.  I also wish I had thought to give him money, but something about that seemed too pushy.  I can only hope that at least he knew, in that moment, that he was not invisible.  That his situation did not define him.  I hope that he felt like someone cared for his well-being.

I called my friend back after I got in the car to leave and she said that she was proud of me for being brave.  I guessed she was right and thought of my father’s story.  I understand now, what motivated him, and what I couldn’t understand as a protective child. Sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to try to make someone else comfortable.

I am counting my blessings tonight.  I am mindfully acknowledging everyone who’s ever held out a caring hand and said to me, “let me help you”.  I am appreciative of my parent’s lessons of compassion and love.  I’ll hug my puppies a little tighter, kiss my husband a little longer and plan to wake up tomorrow with a clearer presence of mind.

You must be the change you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

A guiding light near a prickly path

A shooting star, brilliant as you are

A moonlight blossom coaxed by a spirits wings

Small luxuries of time meant to be cherished

Neither friendship or love are taken for granted

So, to turn my irrational fear on its head, I’ve compiled a list of things regarding the number 31 to inspire my recreational activities for the year.

• Enjoy a Starbucks Trenta sized drink, which is 31oz of coffee goodness.   The Huffington Post declares that it is bigger than your stomach, but I say just stick close to a restroom.

• Make a crafty project using the 31 Cupcake Inspired Creations eBook.  Download it and get crafty!

• I could definitely rock a pair of these Jimmy Choo heels style #31.  Live by the phrase “Change your shoes, change your life!”

I could have dinner at Table 31 in Philadelphia, or Bistro 31 in Los Angeles.  Now if gas was just 31¢ a gallon, I’d be on my way.

• Maybe CHANEL 31 Rue Cambon Perfume is my signature scent for the year? It’s one of six fragrances in Chanel’s “Les Exclusifs” line created by master perfumer 258.  It’s a chypre fragrance named after the address of Chanel’s Parisian couture workshop.

• Embrace the London Telegraph report that women are at their most beautiful at 31.
  

• Eat Ice Cream!  Baskin Robbins 31° Below™ desert creation is described as a smooth and creamy Vanilla Soft Serve blended with my choice of favorite candies.  I’m going with the Jamoca OREO but Mint Chocolate or something with raspberries might do as well!  Too bad I couldn’t find any treats that are 31  calories.  (But everything is fat-free on your birthday, right?

• Get competitive at a game of 31, a card game also known as Scat, Ride the Bus, or Blitz. This is a simple draw and discard game, suitable for players of all ages. Players have a three card hand and the aim is to collect cards in a single suit worth 31 points or as near as possible to that total.

Lip Gloss of the Year: NYX 31: Red Tint.  Not too sticky and not too trampy!

• Chanel my inner Elle Woods by studying US Code 31: Money and Finance: The United States Code is the result of an effort to make finding relevant and effective statutes simpler by reorganizing them by subject matter, and eliminating expired and amended sections. For example, a bill providing relief for family farms might affect items in Title 7 (Agriculture), Title 26 (Tax), and Title 43 (Public Lands). When the bill is codified, its various provisions might well be placed in different parts of those various Titles. Traces of this process are generally found in the Notes accompanying the “lead section” associated with the popular name, and in cross-reference tables that identify Code sections corresponding to particular Acts of Congress.  If you got to the end of this paragraph, you should feel smarter than you did 10 seconds ago!

• Here’s a nice list of famous accomplishments at age 31 that will surely inspire me to get cracking this year:
  • French Egyptologist Jean Francois Champollion deciphered the Rosetta stone.
  • British physician Thomas Wedgwood produced the first photograph.
  • Gregory Pincus achieved in-vitro fertilization of rabbits. Later he invented the birth control pill.
  • Charles Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol
  • Mozart composed Don Giovanni
  • Stravinsky premièred the Rite of Spring

• Visit our 31^st state, California.  No convincing needed here.  Coronado Island: I’m on my way!  It’s like Pleasantville with a beach and a crime rate of 0!

Bottoms up.  Here’s to a year of accomplishments!

Stuffed Poblano Peppers and other delectable items

they crackle and pop as they heat up!

Over high heat, sear the poblano peppers until the skin is blistered and charred. This takes anywhere from 2-5 minutes on each side of the pepper. Make sure the entire outside is well crisped. This part is best when done on a grill. If you can’t grill because it’s still snowing where you live, then you should move to Arizona.  It was 90 degrees yesterday!  Or you can also use a broiler on high setting.

Put the hot peppers in a brown paper bag, roll the top down to seal the heat inside and set aside for 10-15 minutes. The steam in the bag as well as the pepper cooling down will help release the skin from the flesh of the pepper.

While your peppers are cooling: make mashed potatoes. Your favorite recipe will do. I like Martha Stewart’s method: red potatoes, butter, milk, salt pepper & cream cheese. Then you spice it up. Add dark paprika & cumin. At least 2 teaspoons each, up to a tablespoon or more depending on how much you are making.  This is really to taste, so you need to experiment a little to get the right blend for you. Set aside.

be careful that they are cool enough to touch

Back to the peppers. Take them out of the paper bag.  Peel the charred skin off the pepper and discard. Holding the pepper horizontally, cut it lengthwise in half, making a “boat” shape to hold the potatoes. Remove the seeds and set pepper in a shallow baking dish.

Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded cheddar to your cooled mashed potatoes. Again, you’ll know how much you want. Spoon potatoes into the pepper boat. Pipe it from a ziplock bag with the tip cut off if you want to get all fancy. And you know I’m just crazy enough to do that.

ready to bake!

Bake for 20 min at 425, or right on the grill. I bake them in a foil throw away tray when I do it on the grill.

This is great with steak or even broiled BBQ pork chops that I marinate in 1 part Spicy BBQ sauce & 1 part cherry or cranberry
juice.  Try Sweet Baby Ray’s Chipotle BBQ.

I make a quick corn dish to go with that Bobby loves: corn (frozen or cut off 2 cobs), small minced shallot, salt, pepper, thyme, and a dash of margarine or butter. Heat through until the shallot starts to caramelize. Either on the stove or again in a foil baking tin on the grill, stirring every few minutes. I do this entire meal on the grill.

Sadly, the food was gone before I could take a picture.  But trust me it looks pretty and it’s tasty!

so good you could lick the plate!

Enjoy!

You should do that more.

Need a little inspiration?  Visit iamawesome.com.

-Ali