Brrrr! It's another cold winter day here in Florida my friends!!
(currently 39º - high of only 55º). That's cold for this Florida girl.

Let's warm up together with our "Let's Talk Tuesday" No. 2 today. (click here if you missed No. 1 and find out more about the inspiration behind the NEW LTT blog series here on Pen + Paper Flowers if you missed the original announcement).

I have another set of fun questions I'm excited to answer today.
I'm just loving this little bit of time we are carving out each week to connect for a few minutes on a very real level - like friends meeting up over coffee or hot cocoa!


QUESTION #1:
Q: I loved the Book Club you were doing last year but I haven't seen any updated posts in awhile. What happened? Am I missing something? - Maria B.

A: Oh my! I'm embarrassed to admit this but the truth is...life is what happened. After going strong from January until August, I missed posting in September...and then October and before I knew it, it'd been three months and there was no way to catch up at that point.

The good news is, I've been brainstorming some ideas to update the PNPF Book Club to make it a little more simple...a bit LESS complicated. How about I skip the "review" part of things, which was the original concept of the Book Club, and just do a quick list of my current reads every month? What do you think? BTW: Here's one for you: "Whatever You Are, Be a Good One" by Chronicle Books. (Clara gave it to me for Christmas).

QUESTION #2:
I just love the inspirational thoughts you share on Instagram and I'm wondering if there's a specific app you use to create them? I think it might be the Rhonna Designs app but I thought I'd just ask.  - Amanda G.

My favorite app to use is called Phonto. It's SUPER easy and allows me the flexibility I prefer for manipulating fonts and letters. I actually just select the "plain image" option and then select the blank white square to add my wording. That's it. Now, having said that, I do love using the Rhonna Design
App when I want to add some cute design elements. And of course, I'm always using my favorite design program, Adobe Illustrator, for designs as well.


QUESTION #3:
Q: I just love your simple style - both with your designs and some of the images I've seen of your home decor. You'd mentioned awhile ago that you were in the middle of deciding on a paint color for your master bedroom. I'm in the middle of a master bedroom makeover and I'm curious as to what color you ended up choosing. Natalie P.

That's so funny you asked about this because I was at the paint store just YESTERDAY having a gallon mixed up to test out on the master bedroom. I never did paint the master as previously mentioned a year or so ago because I still wasn't convinced of the colors I'd chosen and I just sat on them. In fact, I've still got paint swatches on the walls and I just keep adding to them any time I'm inspired by a color I see on Pinterest or social media and any color recommendations from family and friends.

I'm not sure why, but I've been really stumped with what to do or what direction I want to go in for that room. I can't tell you how many "this is the one" moments I've had with paint colors only to sit on it for a few days and then change my mind altogether. (what is that?) Grrr. So...in keeping with my One Little Word (LESS)...I'm doing less second guessing, less procrastination and I will be moving forward..with confidence by the way...with the custom paint color I had mixed yesterday!

It's a color of happenstance because it was two different leftover paint colors Emalyn decided to mix together on a whim when she re-painted her bedroom a few months ago. Can you believe that? I LOVE the color she ended up with (shown on the top paint stick) so I had it custom matched and then used 50% of the formula for a lighter/brighter hue in the master bedroom. (bottom paint stick). And...yes, it's another creamy white neutral. My mom is SO rolling her eyes right now. And maybe you are too!? *blushing*

I'll share before and after pics soon! For now, I wanted to share a photo of the final Behr paint formula I'm using in the master bedroom, just in case you want to run right out and try it yourself!! 
Let's call the custom color: Happenstance.

Okay, and one more thing...
Have any of you seen the SureSwatch™ sheets? I noticed them for the first time at the Home Depot paint counter yesterday while waiting for my paint to be mixed. The concept sounds pretty cool - but I left without paying the $3 for one sheet. Now after having watched the how-to SureSwatch™ paint and SureSwatch™ Primer Decider videos online to learn more, I'm even more curious about whether or not they'd really work and if they'd be worth it? If you've used them I'd love to know what you think!! And if you haven't, would you consider using them?

Was that fun? Feeling a little more connected? I know I am.
Until next week friends...keep your questions coming!!

DIFFERENT WAYS TO SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS
1. Email me directly: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com
2. Leave a question on my Instagram feed anytime.
3. Leave it as a comment here on the blog.
If you ever have any issues at all being able to leave a comment on my blog, please email me directly to let me know so I can figure out how to resolve it for you: pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com

xoxo!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I thought it'd only been a little over a year ago that I started putting different paint swatches on the walls in the master bedroom but when I went back to look at the original post about choosing a paint color I realized it was from August of 2013! Oh my goodness. That's just ridiculous. Now I'm embarrassed. See!! I've REALLY been stuck. For too long. Here's to LESS procrastination! *blushing*

BOOK CLUB | September Selection :: Live Happy

I'm slow to announcing the Pen + Paper Flowers Book Club Selection for September...
BUT...that doesn't mean I'm not totally excited about it!!

I've picked "Live Happy" from Compendium Books and it looks as though it will be yet another a beautiful, short + sweet, inspiring read once again, by M.H. Clark.

I have to say this woman is brilliant. She has authored so many incredibly inspiring books, many of which you and I have read together this year, and I can't seem to pull myself away from her specific works of art when it comes to choosing a new book each month.

This book promises to inspire us to really look for the happiness that surrounds each day.

"Every day is an opportunity to bring good into your life. Every day is a chance to find more happiness. And every day, you can find your happy simply by deciding to look for it. This colorful, uplifting book is a reminder to invite delight wherever you are."

I love that!! "Invite delight!"
That just may be my next art print...*wink*

Want to read along with me starting September 1st?
Grab your copy of Live Happy right here on Amazon!!

I'm absolutely LOVING the August Book Selection - if you haven't started it yet...
get going!! As always, my book picks are quick reads so you still have time to finish it before we focus on "Live Happy" for September!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
My girls are back in school...first day was yesterday.
Ella started 1st grade and ADORES her new teacher!!
Ema kicked off her Junior year in an Epic way...by not going to school at all. *frown*
She's sick. Sick as in "can't-go-to-school-until-Thursday-or-Friday-we-hope-per-the-doctor" kind of sick. *frown*

Meanwhile...I'm working on a super pretty project for an upcoming magazine feature.
Sneak peeks are always being shared on my Instagram when you are missing me on the blog.
I'd love for you to follow me over there!

BOOK CLUB | August Selection :: Today, Tomorrow, & Every Day

I'm sooo excited about the book selection I've picked for August!

It's a brand-new book from Live-Inspired entitled "Today, Tomorrow & Every Day" and it centers on living a brave + real + gorgeous life!

The book itself is beautiful with gilded edges, laser-cut end sheets and a foil-stamped cover.

It's written by my favorite inspirational author - M.H. Clark and the pages hold words of wisdom + thoughtful insight about how "Her life is her journey...it is her art. She makes it, day by day, hour by hour, into something she is proud to call her own. You recognize her, and you recognize her life because it is your life, too." (words on the back cover)

This is so eloquent...and so true...isn't it?

I hope you'll join me in August as we dive into this simple + uplifting read.
I've got an extra copy to send to someone too!!

All you have to do is read the "She hadn't always been this way..." quote pictured above and leave a comment here on the blog answering the question below:

I haven't always been as...

I'll pick a winner and announce it in the comments on this same page at some point over the weekend! So check back or follow me on Instagram or Facebook to await the announcement!

In the meantime, here's my answer:
I haven't always been as good at letting little things go, being prayerful in my decisions and trusting in God and his plans for me. I still have a lot of work ahead of me...because I'm still learning and arranging and rearranging. *wink*

And if you want to go ahead and order the book for yourself or a friend you can find it RIGHT HERE.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I awoke this morning with a completely different book selection in mind, ready to announce it to the world. And as much as I don't really like to change things up at the last minute, upon further research I realized that particular book was not going to fall in line with the standard guidelines of the PNPF Book Club after all - which should be a super easy inspirational read for busy people without a lot of time to commit to reading. 

I was led to the "Today, Tomorrow & Every Day" book and was inspired to go with that one instead.
Not even 10 minutes after my decision to switch up the book, (and ordering it online), I received a package from UPS; a box of goodies from Live-Inspired. Guess what book was in that box? Yep! What an awesome confirmation that this book truly is the one meant for us to read for the month of August!

On a more serious note, if you missed the news about my friend, Heidi Swapp, unexpectedly losing her 16 year old son last week, please see this post or this post or this post on Instagram.  There are ways you can reach out to her and her family to offer some comfort and love, should you feel moved to do so. 

BOOK CLUB | July Selection :: One Good Deed A Day

Have you all been waiting on pins and needles for the July book pick?

With all of the life lemons I've been dealing with in these first 3 weeks of Summer, I'm even more grateful for the One Good Deed A Day book I picked out for the PNPF Book Club selection for July! I think it's going to be the perfect way to shift my focus from my own struggles + challenges to instead finding ways to add some sunshine to someone else's life.

I actually shared this book on my blog a couple of years ago and even did a giveaway.
Well...a couple of months ago I had a reader, who had won a copy, mention how much she and her daughter still love the book! My heart was touched and also a LIGHTBULB went off in my head!! It was then I was inspired to add it to the PNPF Book Club this year.

It's a darling book filled with daily prompts + ideas for how to do something nice for someone else.
They are super easy things like "holding the door for someone" or there are things that take a little more thought + planning  but all in all you just pick and choose what you want to do and then journal a little something about how it made you feel or even just a jot down the date you did your kind deed.

Ella doesn't know it yet but it's going to be our little Summer project.
Some things will be focused on our own little family.
Other things will involve neighhbors, friends and even a few strangers.
Looking forward to spreading a little light + love to others this Summer.
Will you join me?

You can order the One Good Deed A Day book from Amazon 
or you can win one by simply leaving a comment here on the blog.

Just tell me what one of your very favorite kind deeds is that you enjoy doing or have done for someone in the past that really left you feeling light on your feet and joy in your heart.

I'll pick a winner on Friday, July 3rd and announce it here on the blog so as to send you off into your long holiday weekend celebrating!! *wink*

If you have trouble leaving a comment please email me at pnpflowersinc AT gmail DOT com
Some readers have had issues with leaving blog comments and I've not been able to get down to the bottom or WHY...so maybe you all can help me figure that at!

If you've missed the previous PNPF Book Club Selections and are curious as to what we've been reading, you can click on THIS LINK or tap the link at the top of the page that says BOOK CLUB.
Love to you all!!
xoxo


KEEPiNG iT REAL
Although I'm late on announcing my pick - I typically try to give you all a heads-up by the 15th of each month, this book is actually intended to be used the entire rest of the Summer months. (or maybe for you it'll be for the rest of the year. - it's your call because that's how the whole guilt-free PNPF Book Club thing works. Read more here if you'd like to join in on the fun each month!!

BOOK CLUB | June Selection :: "Find Your Happy" Book + Giveaway

June's PNPF Book Club selection, "Find Your Happy", was inspired by the fact that the month of June marks the 1/2 way point of the year. Yeah. Can you believe we are almost there?

Anyway...I really felt like this would be the perfect book to kind of get re-motivated about the goals + dreams we were all gung ho about at the beginning of the year.

"The path you're on this very moment is going somewhere good."

This book is filled with powerful, thought-provoking words that are sure to energize us and motivate us.

And let's face it...
isn't that the ultimate goal for us all...to "Find your Happy"?

You can order the Find Your Happy book by M.H. Clark right now to make sure you have it by June 1st. OR...you can take your chances and win a copy here on the blog!!

That's right, the wonderful folks at Compendium are offering up three copies to three lucky PNPF readers this month. Enter below.

Points = entries. More points = more entries.
Choose only one option or choose ALL of the options to earn points. The more options you select the more number of times your name goes into the hat!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners will be notified via email + names announced on the widget above when selected.

I hope you are enjoying the book selection for May!
It's a beautiful little book and something you can keep out on the coffee table too!

If you are new to the PNPF Book Club read all about how you can jump right in any time and the inspiration behind the easy-read, inspirational selections each month.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends.
See you back here next week!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
The exterior of our home is being painted as I type this blog post.
It looks SO different already and it's only been primed with some of the trim work painted.
Looking forward to sharing the before and after pictures.

BOOK CLUB | May Selection :: The Secret Language of Flowers by Samantha Gray

image provided by Ryland, Peters and Small

The book selection for May, "The Secret Language of Flowers" by Samantha Gray published by CICO Books and illustrated by Sarah Perkins is so perfect in so many ways...

First and foremost...

BOOK CLUB | March Discussion :: Sheet Pan Suppers

It was a month filled with promise for inspiration in the kitchen!
Did you find it?

WHAT TWO RECIPES DID YOU TRY?
I personally tried two recipes from the book:

Bruce's Barbecue Meatloaf & Potatoes - page 119.
I loved the idea of cooking the meatloaf on a cooking rack and letting the juices from the meatloaf drip onto the cooking potatoes below. It turned out yummy although it was a little tricky serving the meatloaf and potatoes at the same time from the pan since the meatloaf made getting to the potatoes kind of tricky. You really need to transfer the meatloaf onto another sheet pan or surface for cutting after baking...which kind of takes away from the whole "one-pan meal concept and easy clean up". But it's still way better than having to use two completely different things to cook the two items separately.

FAMILY FEEDBACK - 3 thumbs up (out of 5)

Lemon-Herb Sole on Crispy Potato Rafts - page 81
I was really excited about the "potato rafts" concept in this recipe. It turned out really good and the family gave me the thumbs up to cook it again. I swapped the Sole for Swai because we already had some in the freezer. It turned out to be super easy to prepare and it looked pretty going in the oven and coming out. My fish fillets were much bigger than the Sole fillets shown in the cookbook so I used more potatoes underneath. (darn - I was really upset to have to do that...not!)

I ended up tweaking the recipe to accommodate our family of 5 - especially because four of our five have adult-size appetites and I didn't want to chance anyone feeling hungry afterwards.

FAMILY FEEDBACK - 4 thumbs up (out of 5)

WILL YOU CONTINUE TO COOK FROM THIS BOOK?
I, personally, will continue to reference this book.

I still love the idea of easy food prep and for the most part it seems like the recipes are conducive to that. The side dishes are something I will definitely be trying since the two recipes I've already experimented with were full meals.

The one thing I found myself thinking as I scrolled through a lot of the recipes is "I wish these meals were all Whole30 approved". At the same time, I don't think it would take a whole lot of tweaking to make them a little more clean-eating-friendly.

I'd love to hear what recipes you tried and if you found this book to be inspiring.
Let me know because your feedback helps drive the upcoming Book Selections (and the upcoming book giveaways that coincide). *wink*

So will you be participating in April's PNPF Book Club selection with me?
I am SO excited to dive into some home decor inspiration!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I wasn't sure how I would feel about selecting a cookbook for the PNPF Book Club.
Although I NEEDED inspiration in the kitchen, I found myself WANTING different inspiration; pretty inspiration.
I think that's why I'm really excited about the selection for April!

GIVEAWAY | Keep It Simple Book by Atlanta Bartlett

A photo posted by Jessica Kirkland (@pnpflowers) on Mar 20, 2015 at 6:23am PDT

After posting my April book selection for the PNPF Book Club earlier this week, the publishing company, Ryland, Peters + Small reached out to me yesterday to offer up THREE FREE copies of Keep It Simple to my readers and fans. Yay!!!

With that, although I had intended on NOT opening the book until April 1st - the official "start-reading-the-book-date"- I just HAD to with three free copies up for grabs! The quick lookie was so I could take a few photos of the images from inside the pages. (and yes, I love having that as an excuse for a preview). *wink*

I promise I didn't look TOO closely at the pages although I was pleasantly surprised to see a couple of captions that caught my eye as I was flipping through. I have to say with conviction this book is going to provide much more inspiration than I had originally anticipated.

If you are looking for ways to simplify your life and your home decor...you're really going to want this!

Since the giveaway was a last minute idea, I'm hosting the actual giveaway on Instagram to make it quick and simple. I'll be picking a winner at some point this weekend and making the announcement on Monday. That means if you don't have an IG account, you have time to create one...if you want. Here are quick and easy instructions for creating an Instagram account.

If you are wary of Instagram, I have to tell you it's my very favorite social media site.
I've never been a big fan of Facebook and honestly, Twitter,  for me is "okay" but my experience with Instagram has been really positive. I've found it to be a community of very supportive and positive people and I've discovered some incredibly talented people over there that I'm continually inspired by from simply searching different hashtags. (there really is a rhyme and a reason for those things). *wink*

So...if you want to enter the giveaway, head over to my Instagram account and follow the instructions. 

Oh! And Hey!! 
While you are over there you may as well enter to win the 
$500 GIFT CARD to West Elm. Yep! That's right.
I've teamed up with 6 other Instagram friends to make someone's day!!
The giveaway was announced a few days ago and will end on Tuesday, March 24th!
Just one more reason to create an Instagram account!!

Enjoy your weekend friends!!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I could really use that West Elm gift card myself... *wink*

For those of you wondering...the new shingles are officially on the roof! (and I love them).
Still trying to decide on paint color and I REALLY need to do a blog post about this whole process so I can keep you guys in the loop. Seriously!!

BOOK CLUB | April's Selection :: Keep It Simple by Atlanta Bartlett

In my search for simplicity not only in my day-to-day life but in my home decor as well, I decided to pick something for the PNPF Book Club for the month of April that ties all of that together in a nice NEW book by Atlanta Bartlett called "Keep It Simple."

The book is SO brand-new /"hot-off-the-presses" that I thought I would have to skip it for April's selection and choose it for May instead because pre-orders on Amazon said the book would be ready on April 5th. BUT...I received notification my book will arrive TOMORROW!!  

That means this is OUR official book for April, friends and I'm excited!!

A brief overview of the book mentions, "Keep It Simple" reveals how to create a happy and relaxed home that looks fabulous and works brilliantly for everyone who lives in it."

I encourage you to flip through the pages of the book before purchasing and make sure this is a selection you feel you'll be inspired by. If you decide it looks like your cup of tea...join me in reading it in April.

I took the liberty of trying to find a couple of images to share with you about the design style of Atlanta Bartlett, the interior stylist and author of this book. I found these pictures on Pinterest since the Atlanta Bartlett website didn't seem to be working very well with regards to images. I made the most of the what seem to be really low-quality images being shared around the world-wide web. But you'll get the idea, I'm sure, as to what her decorating style is. Take a peek...

And here's a little bit of information about the interior stylist herself, as mentioned on her website:

Atlanta Bartlett is an interiors stylist well known for her relaxed, accessible style. Having started her career at Homes & Gardens, she became a successful freelance stylist and has worked for magazines including Elle Decoration, Living etc, House & Garden, Harpers & Queen and Marie Claire, as well as contributing to the launch of Red magazine as the Interiors Editor. Her client list includes high profile names such as Habitat, Laura Ashley, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer and she is the author of the internationally best-selling books The Relaxed Home and At Home with White, Easy Elegance and Pale and Interesting.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I'm looking forward to the inspiration that awaits!
Speaking of which...how are you doing with the PNPF Book Selection for MARCH?
I've tried a couple of recipes out already with great results.
I'll share pictures in the book review and discussion coming up at the end of March.
I hope you are being inspired as well.

KEEPiNG iT REAL
My middle daughter turns 16 on March 16th!! (her golden birthday)
We celebrated with family on Saturday.
I'll be sharing her birthday dessert soon!

In the meantime, we've got new shingles on the roof and it's time to pick an exterior paint color!

I'm having SUCH a hard time deciding.

I've posted some pics on my PNPF Facebook Page but I should totally share some here too so you know what's going on, shouldn't I?

BOOK CLUB | February Discussion :: May You Live a Life You Love

TAKE YOUR LIFE AND LIVE IT WELL

Be kind to yourself. Dream great dreams. Listen to your heart. Celebrate your strengths. Appreciate your talents. 

Delight in your own uniqueness. Find time for joy. 

Give of yourself. Lean into the hard work. 

Seize new opportunities. Find wonder.

MAY YOU LIVE A LIFE YOU LOVE

And that was just the first page, my friends.
What a darling book this was to read for the PNPF Book Club during the month of February!
For those of you who read May You Live a Life You Love, I KNOW without a doubt, you were inspired.

This simple read is just filled with thought-provoking and inspiring quotes.
I found the bright colors and lettering to be invigorating and added even more depth to the inspirational words - simply from the energizing colors. Do you agree?

WHAT WERE TWO OF YOUR FAVORITE PAGES OR QUOTES?
I love every one of the quotes and inspirational thoughts in the book. Narrowing it down to just two wasn't easy but here are my picks:

(1) This one actually came from the back flap of the book cover:
"May you find your life filled with every good thing - epic challenges, deep joy, great accomplishments, and plenty of silliness, patience, courage, and adventure. May you find yourself surprised, humbled, and honored at the gifts that come your way. May you find yourself, every moment of every day, living A LIFE YOU LOVE."

(2) A wonderful reminder to stop taking life so seriously:
May You Cultivate Silliness - "I still listen to instinctual urges. I play with leaves. I skip down the street and run against the wind. I never water my garden without soaking myself" - Leo F. Buscaglia
What a wonderful reminder to stop taking life so seriously!!

WHAT WILL YOU DO WITH YOUR BOOK NOW?
Now that you are done reading the book - and I'm sure many of you actually took the time to read it through multiple times - what will you do with it now?

Will you leave it on display somewhere in your home?
Will you pass it along to someone else who may need the inspiration?

For me, it's just too cute to just stick up on a shelf to collect dust.
I'm going to leave mine out to help usher in Spring and to remind me to read one page every day for ongoing inspiration. I'm hoping my girls will see it and be inspired to pick it up to and flip through the pages.

I've also already given a copy as a gift to Ella's teacher, for Valentine's Day.

I really enjoyed this book and hope you did as well.
Leave your feedback in the comments below! I'd love to hear what you thought and get a gauge as to how our first month of the PNPF Book Club and February's selection impacted your life.

Are you starting March's PNPF Book Club selection with me?
xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
There are going to be some happy Instagram friends who will finally receive the copies of the May You Live a Life You Love book and the sets of matching note cards to go along with it that they won when I hosted the giveaway a couple weeks ago! So sorry for the delay. When I finally got to the post office for boxes - they ended up not being big enough and I've had to go back to find something more suitable. Thanks for your patience as you've been waiting!!

Ella was a bit under-the-weather this weekend but we got her out of the house on Sunday afternoon. She's at home with me today...bored...but resting. *wink*

BOOK CLUB | March's Selection :: Sheet Pan Suppers

Friends!! It's time to be inspired in the kitchen!!
I've chosen Sheet Pan Suppers by Molly Gilbert as the PNPF Book Club selection for March!

Trust me when I say I went back and forth over what book to select to follow in the shoes of February's awesome selection!!

In the end I decided

BOOK CLUB | May You Live the Life You Love :: Author + Illustrator

Just a reminder that the PNPF Book Club kicked off on February 1st...
Are you reading along and feeling inspired?

I've added a Book Club button to the menu bar at the top of the blog AND on the sidebar so that you can easily keep up with the current book selection and follow along with the discussions/reviews every month.

I've got a couple of fun surprises for you today related to the fabulous book selection for February: May You Live the Life You Love by M.H. Clark

SURPRISE ONE
I received an unexpected box from Compendium last week filled with more copies of "May You Live the Life You Love" book AND the matching Note Card Sets. They were sent to giveaway to YOU!! That's right. More books and Note Card sets are waiting to be given out.

Since I've already done a giveaway on the blog, I'm going to be doing this next round of giveaways on Instagram. (you are getting advanced notice so you can be ready)!!  Be sure to follow me on Instagram today and stay tuned for the surprise announcement over there in the next day or so.

SURPRISE TWO
In the meantime, the other surprise I have for you is that I've got exclusive "Behind the Scenes" information about the creation of this book! - directly from the brilliant author, M.H. Clark, and talented illustrator, Sarah Forster.

I just LOVED learning about the creative process and inspiration behind this fun book and I think you will too...take a listen...

WRITING THE BOOK
Both M.H. Clark and Sarah Forster say they wanted to create “a collection of bright wishes to offer someone”.  I think they absolutely reached their goal!

M.H. Clark said she wrote this book at the library. She would look at people that walked into the library and think “What would be a good thing to wish someone?” I just LOVE this visual of M.H. Clark sitting at the library being moved to come up with things she'd like to wish the people surrounding her in that setting.

BOOK DESIGN
Sarah wanted to design a book that was “uplifting, joyful, celebrating life.” Accomplished!
She also used a broad rainbow of colors: “I wanted the book to appeal to a colorful and vibrant life.” She tried to make the words feel like they were dancing on the page. She totally did that!!
The quotes are also done with a handwritten type because she wanted it to feel “Like its someone speaking to you personally.” I love that and really appreciate handwritten type!!

THE MESSAGE OF THE BOOK
Both of them had lovely things to say about the overall message of the book.
M.H. Clark says that through this book she wanted to impart the message “I hope you get a chance to do the things that inspire you”.  She wanted to encourage people to live the life they want. An inspiring life looks different to everyone – live it on your own terms. There are big and small ways to live a vibrant life – whether it’s traveling or just picking up a colorful bouquet of flowers at the farmer’s market. Her words: “Know that there’s always room to do the things that make you feel alive.”

I love everything she had to say here. "Live the life you want". "Live it on your own terms." "An inspiring life looks different to everyone". "There are big and small ways to live a virbrant life." And "there's always room to do the things that make you feel alive!!"  So inspired by her words!! Aren't you?

THE BACKGROUND MUSIC 
Sarah, the illustrator,  shared her soundtrack for the book. While she was designing this book she was listening to a lot of reggae and Caribbean music…and imagining herself in a sunny place. Here are some of her selections she shared with us:
Toots & the Maytals
Desmond Dekker
Bob Marley

Wasn't that SO fun?
The book was brilliant all on it's own...
but now having this background information on the creation of it makes me love it that much more!!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!
And don't forget to to stay tuned to my Instagram account for the surprise announcement!

KEEPiNG iT REAL
Pretty sure I'll be playing those music selections from Sarah around the house this weekend.
Who doesn't need a little more sunshine in their life? *wink*

BOOK CLUB | February Pick :: May You Live A Life You Love

I'm really super excited to announce the very first book we'll be exploring together to kickstart the official PNPF Book Club!!

I went back and forth on which book to choose since I have a whole list of fun books I'm looking forward to diving into with you all.

In the end...choosing something from the beautiful line of Compendium books was really my only option since it's my very favorite company...hands-down!

My pick for this month is perfect too...seeing as how goals and dreams are top o' mind for all of us after ringing in the new year AND because the PNPF Book Club officially begins in the month of February - when all things are centered around love! 

Don't you agree this is such a fitting book to get us started and for us to read together during February??

"May You Live the Life You Love" by M. H. Clark

May You Live a Life You Love is a sweet + simple book with an inspiring thought/quote on each page. It's a really quick read (as in 10 minutes or less) so I'm hoping you'll read through it at least several times before we have our Discussion on February 28th.

If you are confused at this point about why I would select a book for a book club that only takes 10 minutes to read than you missed the original post explaining the inspiration behind the PNPF Book Club and how it differs from your typical book clubs. Be sure to read it.

The idea behind my selection this month is to help add fuel to the fire of our "life dreams".
Whatever goals we have set for 2015...I hope this book will serve as a reminder of how important it is for each of us to be engaged in doing what we love so that we are able to embrace and share our gifts and talents in such a way that we really are living a life we love.  I intend to read carefully through this book once or twice a week during the whole month of February...taking time to think about the words on each page so that they really sink in.  I hope you will too.

Now...with that said...I'm sure you noticed the matching set of May You Live the Life You Love Boxed Note Cards in the photos too. I actually shared all of the cards with you when I posted "A Christmas Story"  a couple of weeks ago. Just in case you want to peek at the whole set.

Well...I have a little surprise for you.
I'm going to pick someone to win a sweet little package that will include a copy of the May You Live the Life You Love book along with the matching set of May You Live a Life You Love Note Cards my kind, generous friends at Compendium sent me AND....

I'm also including your own copy of the inspirational book, Shine, which was the inspiration behind my One Little Word for 2015! Are you excited?

To enter to win simply choose one OR choose all of the options listed on the Rafflecopter app below. More entries = more points = more chances to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will pick and announce a winner on Friday, January 16th so the winner will receive their February pick prior to February 1st.

UPDATE: I made an "oops!" - I failed to send out the email to my subscribers notifying them about the giveaway so I've extended the entry date to Sunday, January 18th at midnight to give them a little more time. Winner will be picked and announced on MONDAY morning!!

Good luck everyone!
I hope you are all excited to get this PNPF Book Club started with me come February.

If you decide you just want to go ahead and get the book you can order May You Live A Life You Love Book so you are ready to start reading on February 1st. (if you are able to resist the temptation and hold off diving into the pages before then).

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I've been without internet service for 5 days.
Finally got it up and running today - thank goodness but I was freaking out  REALLY bummed to not be able to post the Book Club pick on Friday last week as I had originally promised. I'm sure you all were waiting on pins and needles for the announcement so I hope you weren't too disappointed to have to wait. *grinning*  I'm convinced you are now thinking it was worth it. *wink*

NEW | All Things Shiny + New

It's the first real working week for me since ringing in the New Year!
I think it's probably that way for many of us.
So…it's time to get down to business….right?

Well…business for me, today, includes a breakdown on my thoughts behind how  the "One Little Word" (OLW) I've chosen for 2015 will play a huge roll in my ideas and wishes for this new year.

PLUS…I'm (1) making a fun announcement today that may also (2) include a giveaway… a triple whammy to get things rolling!! That should keep you reading…right?

So, before I go into the specifics of the "WHAT"…
let me start with the "WHY"behind my pretty little word this year…SHINE

The "Why"
Remember I told you the word found me?
First, it was in the form of a book called SHINE from Compendium.
Then, one Sunday at church, we ended the service by singing an impromptu acapella rendition of "This Little Light of Mine". Even though I didn't actually grow up singing that song…as I'm sure many of you did…I recognized it right away and sang right along to it. (clueless to the fact that it would be symbolic of my olw for 2015).

You see, I wasn't searching for my One Little Word when I received the Shine book OR sang along to the "This Little Light of Mine" song so it wasn't until a couple of weeks later that the lightbulb went off in my head. I realized my one little word had been sitting just outside my door…quietly waiting for me to open it. I'm always amazed and surprised how things like that work out.

On top of that…I also realized sooooo many of the daily inspirational quotes I created and shared over the past year on my Instagram feed were related to SHINE. So crazy and awesome!!

So I'd like to think that my 2014 word, Navigate…led me to my 2015 word…Shine!
I really believe in that stuff.

The "What"
SHINE…what does that mean exactly?
If you look up the actual definition it means a couple of different things:
1. Give out a bright light.
2. Be very talented or perform very well.
3. A quality of brightness - especially from reflected light.

That's exactly what I want my year to be about!!
1. I want to radiate
2. I want to perform well
3. I want to reflect goodness and light in my own world as well as in the world around me.

I REALLY want to SHINE this year.

And when I say "shine" I mean I want to
SHINE in my relationships.
SHINE in my work.
SHINE to inspire others.
SHINE through negativity and doubt.
SHINE through the darkness that surrounds us all in this crazy, mixed up world.
SHINE so brilliantly I push past fear, worry, anxiety, exhaustion and completely trust in His love for me and the direction He has for my life.

I want to SHINE in every aspect of my life...
Physically
Spiritually
Emotionally
Financially
Relationally

I've started a list of things/goals related to my life and my business.
After my list is completely written out…I'll SIMPLIFY it…choosing a handful of things to focus on.

So…just as my 2014 word, Navigate, moved and guided me towards SIMPLICITY + Authenticity…
SHINE will continue to LIGHT my path and keep me traveling in the same direction.

This one little word concept can be powerful stuff.

"It's about pinpointing one guiding principle and then walking with that word throughout the year." - Ali Edwards

The idea is to pick the word you need - a word that will motivate you.
You then find a visual way (or ways) to keep that word in front of you as a reminder through the year.
(an art print, a piece of jewelry, etc).
Then...of course, you find ways to incorporate that word into your life in order to grow.

I've gone as far as choosing a SONG to go with my word.
For last year's word Navigate, I chose Oceans by Hillsong.
This year…I'm choosing Elizabeth Mitchell's version of "This Little Light Of Mine" - no brainer, right?

If you REALLY want to get serious about choosing and implementing the One Little Word concept into your life, check out the One Little Word Online Workshop by Ali Edwards. She offers the workshop every year in which you'll receive monthly emails filled with content and videos that will inspire and encourage you along the way. WATCH THIS AWESOME VIDEO about Ali's story and the One Little Word Concept!!

I'm excited you guys.
I'm also excited about some fun new ideas I've got for this blog.
One of which is the announcement of the new

PEN N' PAPER FLOWERS (PNPF) BOOK CLUB!!

Those of you who don't read - don't roll your eyes just yet.
You're going to want to hear this because this is going to be a
different sort of Book Club.


You all KNOW how much I love books around here.
But I'm not sure if you've made the connection yet with the TYPES of books and the TYPE of reading I like to do.

I do books that will inspire creativity 
and books I can learn something from.


I have been wanting to start the Book Club since the end of Summer but knowing the holidays were around the corner I just didn't feel the timing was right. So I had to wait…impatiently by the way.

For me…the idea of doing the Book Club WAS NOT born out of my desire to WANT to read more or to encourage YOU all to read more. Come to think of it, it has nothing to do with reading at all. 


The book club idea came to life because it should have ALWAYS been here, honestly.
I've been sharing books that interest and inspire me for a long time here on the blog.
Now I'm just inviting you to join along with me!! Fun, right?


Remember these: What Do You Do with An Idea, She, Butter Baked Goods, Miette, Carrot Soup, With Love and Two ?

With that said…my monthly book selections will be EASY reads. These will be books I have carefully, thoughtfully and intentionally selected to inspire you...in a number of different ways for your REAL life.

You won't find any steamy novels, controversial reads, dramas or science fiction going on in this book club. You may however find yourself  in "horror" if you decide not to participate because this book club should add some "action and adventure" to your life! Ha!! I couldn't help myself!! *wink*

I'll be selecting books to inspire us in the kitchen, in our homes, and even at our desks. These books will inspire us as moms...as women. And even though I could TOTALLY pick a pretty baking book every month…the book selections will extend beyond that. 

I can't begin to tell you how much I'm going to love sharing this experience with you. I really think you are going to love it!! (maybe just as much as I do).

SO HERE'S HOW THE BOOK CLUB WILL WORK

Monthly Book Selection
The book selection for the upcoming month will be announced here on the blog, the 2nd Friday of the month prior. For instance, February's book selections will be announced on January 9th - this Friday.
This time frame should give you a couple of weeks to head to the library OR find the book on Amazon or at your favorite book store before we get started.

Monthly Book Review/Discussion
A book review/discussion will be posted here on the blog the very last day of every month.
February's Book Review will happen on Saturday, February 28th.
In each discussion I will share my views on the book and will look for feedback from you by way of you leaving a comment on the blog.

So…to recap…
The book we will be "reading" for February will be announced on January 9th.
You will get the book and start reading it on February 1st.
On February 28th we will come back here to check in and share our thoughts about the book.

Easy enough, right?
And the best part is…
This is something ANYONE can participate in at ANY time.
There are no rules…no commitments.

I'm just looking to share with you what I'm already doing…what I'm already reading…
and if you are inspired to read along with me…GREAT!! I will LOVE it!!

Email subscribers will automatically receive notification of the monthly book club selections - so if you aren't signed up yet you can SIGN UP HERE! 

Stay tuned for February's Book Club Selection announcement on Friday!
I'll be giving away a FREE copy of the book I've chosen along with a copy of the "SHINE" book
that helped inspire the choosing of my One Little Word for 2015.

P.S.
The Teresa Collins clear + gold acrylic clipboard and cute gold notebook you see in the first photos were items I recently found at my local JoAnn's. I thought they were the perfect, pretty reminders for me to SHINE??

xoxo

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I've already found myself singing my theme song around the house a couple of times.
It's bound to drive my two older girls nuts. *wink*