Birthday Reflections

Hello friends! Today is my 33rd birthday! I can hardly believe it! When I was in my late twenties, I thought that there couldn't possibly be anything more annoying than turning 30. But then before I knew it, time had its way, and on the afternoon of my 30th birthday I had an epiphany (I was driving to spend the day with my family—it was such a profound moment for me that I can close my eyes and visualize exactly where I was on the road down to the last detail). I had survived my 20s and was finally going to get to leave it behind! Hooray!

Looking back at my twenties right then, I realized that most of it had been pretty darn miserable to almost unbearable. But there on the first day of my thirtieth year I was finally in an amazing place with my life. I had dug myself out of a depression that I honestly never thought I would make it through, I had not only survived one of the darkest times of my life, but my daughter and I were thriving, and the uncertainty that pervaded my 20s was practically nonexistent. My twenties had nearly taken everything out of me, but I fought incredibly hard to make it to that day...the day when I would be free from so much struggle. And there on my 30th birthday I realized that I had made it!!!

Even though giving myself credit is a challenge for me (why is it so hard for us to be nice to ourselves anyhow), I can honestly look back at the last few years of my thirties and say that I'm proud of myself for how far I've come. I also have so much gratitude for the love and support of my family and friends...and you guys too! You've all helped me to get to this place (even if you didn't know it). I feel so incredibly lucky that words can never really express it. But thank you!

xo Ez

P.S. It's a tradition of mine to give flowers to my Mom on my birthday (a small thank you for having me), but with my sister's wedding only a few days away I won't get to see her (she's crazy busy trying to get everything ready). So Mom, I bought these peonies (your favorite) just for you and photographed them so you can enjoy them across the miles. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me as a young mom. Every year my admiration and appreciation for you grows more and more. I love you so much! Thank you for having me! xoxox

A Special Creature Comforts DIY for Brigitte.de

Hi sweets! I was delighted when back in September, German magazine Brigitte.de got in touch and asked if I would be interested in contributing a holiday-themed project for a festive blogger DIY special they were putting together for their online audience. Of course I said "yes," and then I quickly set to work dreaming up this really sweet printable set that includes various paper bands and tags. I then created a series of step-by-step tutorials for some ways to use them.

You can find the full download over on the Brigitte.de site (look for the download link below the main image). Brigitte.de is a German magazine, so if you are not fluent (I'm not) then you can easily read the directions using a free translating service, such as Google Translate. Note: the download only worked for me when not in translate mode.

The holiday greeting on this main bird tag was created in German for the feature, but I also made an English version to share with those of you who prefer it. You can download the tag sheet here (this download only includes the round bird tags, and not the rest of the printable). I hope you'll have fun using my printables for your holiday decorating and gift wrapping. Thanks Brigitte.de for inviting me to be a part of this fun feature!

And if you missed it earlier this week, I have two additiona DIY projects that you might enjoy working on over the weeked:

• DIY Yarn Pom Poms
• DIY Poppy Flower Gift Toppers (seen on the cover of Gifted Magazine)

Have a fabulous weekend everyone! xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 12. 02. 11

Image credits: 1. Untitled, 2. Holiday Sparkle, Paris Style, 3. Untitled, 4. Trust Your Struggle

Today I Love: Refined Rustic

Today I'm loving the subtle contrast between the refined and rustic elements in these lovely finds...like woven Akebia Vine handles on a pure white tray or metallic accents on a cup made from horn. Pretty, pretty!

Holly Noel Card in gold - Shanna Murray | Limited Edition Fox Plate by Oh My Cavalier for Paloma's Nest | Lemnos Clock - General Store | Arrow Cuff Bracelet - Odette NY (BTW don't miss the awesome 15% promo for Odette NY available in Gifted Magazine, pg. 141) | Next Level Bronze Ring - Andy Lifschutz | Brass Berkshire Horn Cup - Jayson Home & Garden | Marché Basket (available in 3 sizes) - The Container Store | Merimekko Kulkunen Tin Box - Safari Living | Thrown Stoneware Tray - Terrain

BTW... I heard word that Terrain (online) will be holding a 6-hour 40% off sale on all their sale priced merchandise on Tuesday of next week (12/6 from 10am-4pm EST). Also, if you are lucky enough to live near the shop, plan to stop in for a visit a.s.a.p. They will be running a 40% in store sale (on reduced price merchandise) starting today (12/1) and running through (12/6). If you love Terrain as much as I do, then you will definitely not want to miss it.

Inspiration Daily: Wander

Wander art print by Wesley Bird. BTW if you missed Society6 in Gifted Magazine, I highly recommend checking them out. You will find amazing artist designed pieces such as art prints (framed and unframed), stretched canvases, shirts, iPhone covers, laptop skins and more. Love them!