Birthday Reflection

Artwork by ArtPaperGarden

Yesterday was my 27th birthday (where did ages 23-26 go!??) and I got to spend it with some of my favorite people. It was pretty low-key but it was exactly what I wanted. I wasn't in the mindset to have a "go out and get crazy" kind of extravaganza or even a huge party at home with all of my friends.

Kyle worked all day (booo) so I spent the day doing little things for myself. I spent the entire morning finishing up some mini-paintings for an upcoming show at the Redtree Gallery. On the way to my parent's house I picked up some Skyline for lunch. I got to spend some time with the fam which was nice and my aunt, Rose, gave me a gift-- 4 different photos of me with various family members in frames. They'll go great on our great room gallery wall! After family time, I dropped the paintings off at the gallery, then headed home. Kyle and I went out to bd's Mongolian BBQ for dinner. He had never been there before (I practically lived there in college) and we got some yummy stir-fry and an apple cobbler to share for dessert. Yummm.


As some of you may know, I like to take each birthday to re-evaluate my goals. Often times these goals are business-related but I think it's very important to have personal goals as well. On my 26th birthday I wrote up my list of "26 Things to do Before I'm 27".

So let's see how I did over the past year!:

1. Display my work at a Cafe/Gallery I was lucky enough to be featured in the Redtree Gallery's Bike Art Show for the Month of May!
2. Pay off my Credit Card
3. Host a Giveaway on my blog Completed in November, 2010!
4. Run 5k without stopping
5. Visit a place I've never been Cape Coral, Florida Summer 2011
6. Start an herb garden Ordered some delicious herbs from etsy shop, cubits
   
7. Create something wearable my Zazzle Shop is now open and shirts, aprons, etc are available!!
8. Visit Findlay Market Visited on Sunday 10/23 and got some delicious fresh pasta, pork chops, crepes, and gyros. Mmmm!
9. Bake a pie from scratch
10. Create a sign for my massage business
11. Have 150 Facebook Fans for MoKoPo accomplished thanks to the purchase of a FB ad. Worked like a charm! 
12. Reach 40 Etsy sales accomplished on 3/17/11 after a front page appearance on Etsy!
    
13. Sew something not exactly what I had in mind but I sewed up Sadie's dogbed after she ripped it to bits
    
14. Make my own granola I made Alton Brown's granola recipe (here) making some minor adjustments (I used whole wheat rolled oats and craisins instead of raisins) and I will never buy store granola again-- DELISH!
15. Sleep outside
16. Volunteer somewhere
17. Read one fiction and one non-fiction book fiction: House Rules by Jodi Picoult nonfiction: The Big Moo by Seth Godin and others
18. See a movie I've never heard of in the theater
19. Send a hand-written letter Sent a handmade postcard to my friend, Jess, in South Carolina
20. Create MoKoPo greeting cards holiday notecards were introduced 12/10, general cards introduced on 3/15/11
21. Get dressed up and go somewhere fancy for dessert
22. Go vegetarian for 5 days 1/3/11-1/7/11. It wasn't difficult to not eat meat, more difficult to remember that I wasn't eating meat. But I did it! And feel great! It worked really well as a "restart" button after eating really unhealthily at the end of 2010.
23. See a play even though it's not technically a "play" I'm counting the fact that Kyle and I went to see "Shrek: The Musical" on 4/13/11
24. Add at least 3 more prints to my "Gallery of Other Artists" #1- "Do What You Love" ,#2- "Dream Until Your Dreams Come True" prints by letterhappy and #3- She Believed She Could by valentinadesign
25. Build a snowman
26. Upcycle something from a thrift store

Stay tuned for my new list of "27 Things to do Before I'm 28"!! I'm excited for another year!

When I Win the Lottery

In my last post, I wrote about they dream studio that would be in my lottery house.  There, I plan to be super productive and spend my days making pretty things. All that creativity makes a girl hungry though, so up next I will share some inspiration for the next part of my Lottery House...

the K I T C H E N!

All photos via Pinterest:

So open and spacious! Love the beams!

Dark wood floors and bright white cabinets! So great! Giant island and subway tiles are on my wishlist for sure.

This isn't really my taste, but I like how it's a cozy cottage feel. Maybe for my vacation home in the woods...

Subway tiles? Great! TEAL tiles? Even better!

I like the bright teal and wood combo. Modern and natural all in one!

Holy counter space! Modern and artsy with some classic elements!

This one is probably my favorite of all of them. Stainless steel appliances, teal tile, natural stone, giant island, eat-in countertop, dark wood floors, white cabinets. B E A U T I F U L.

Currently Obsessed With...

Organization Binders 

Photo property of IHeartOrganizing

I found this article pinned on Pinterest and fell in love with the whole concept of the Organization binder. I have felt a little disorganized and frazzled lately and I find that I waste a lot of time searching for things-- information, papers, documents, phone numbers, whatever. I was totally inspired and ran right out to Target to stock up on supplies to make my own.

You can also find tons of printables online to help you get started. Some are free, and others you have to pay a small fee for, but it's totally worth it!

Here are some of my faves:

1. Get Buttoned Up
2. Carolina Clipper
3. Erin Vale Design
4. Life...Your Way
5. I Heart Organizing Etsy Shop

I have begun the process of compiling my binders and I'm pretty excited about it. I will be making THREE binders actually: One for general household management, one for MoKoPo business, and one for my massage business. Be sure to check back and I'll keep you posted on my progress!

Fall Boots

Photo from Zappos.com

I recently purchased the Madden Girl boots shown above from Zappos and I LOVE them! They make me feel so fall-like and they are super versatile. I think tall boots are a wardrobe staple, especially when Autumn weather sets in, and they can be worn with jeans, skirts, dresses, leggings, etc. I can't wait to test out all sorts of styles!

Here are some examples I found so far (all photos via Pinterest):

I like the warm socks peeking out the top!

I love everything about this outfit! Navy dress, belt, cardigan, bright tights-- yes please!

Someone get me a giant cozy sweater, ASAP!

Crockpot Meals

 

Another thing I just LOVE about fall is the food-- warm, hearty, yummy comfort food! One way to enjoy these meals with less hassle is to throw all the ingredients into a crock pot and let it cook itself all day! Just last night, Kyle and I enjoyed a delicious meal of pork chops, roasted red potatoes, and green beans. I put all the ingredients into the crock pot (along with some chicken broth, rosemary, salt and pepper), turned it on low, and let it cook in its own juices all day long. A warm, yummy meal was ready when Kyle got home from work and I got to get other things accomplished all day. Easy Peasy! 

Here are a few crockpot recipes I can't wait to try:

Creamy Mexican Chicken by the Larson Lingo

Egg Brunch Casserole by A Latte With Ott, A

Black Bean and Pumpkin Chili by Real Mom Kitchen

Mulled Cider by Tasty Kitchen

Sleepytime Tea

image by Celestial Seasonings

One little bedtime ritual that Kyle and I have been doing for a while now is having a cup of tea and doing some reading before bed. It is the perfect way to wind down in the evening, get my brain out of work-paint-internet-to-do-list mode, and help my body fall asleep faster. We've tried a couple of different kinds of tea-- regular green tea, fancy pomegranate lemon, ginger, etc. but our favorite is definitely "Sleepytime Tea" by Celestial Seasonings. It's decaf and contains yummy natural ingredients like chamomile, spearrmint, and blackberry leaves. I'm not sure exactly how it works, but all I know is that it does, and very effectively! I fall asleep quicker after my cup of coziness and more noticeably, I have an easier time staying asleep at night. Love.

A to Z of ME!

I saw this on my sister's blog and thought it was a great idea, so I'm borrowing it. If you haven't visited Jen's blog, you should check it out! It's a fun little blog about being a Stay-At-Home-Momma! :)

 

a {age} 26

b {bed size} king

c {chore you hate} doing dishes

d {dogs} two: A Cuddlemonster named Sadie and a Snooty Pants named Lilly

e {essential start to your day} Coffeeeee

f {favorite color} all of them, but I'm currently loving the Mint/Slate Gray combo

g {gold or silver} Both? Is that allowed?

h {height} 5 feet 3.5 inches (give me the half)

i {instrument you play} Rock Band guitar

j {job title} Artist, Entrepreneur, Blogger, Designer, Massage Therapist, and Nanny

k {kids} none yet, my puppies are my kids

l {live} Loveland, OH (right outside of Cincy)

m {maiden name} Peters

n {nicknames} High School friends call me "Moogs", family calls me "Meg" or "Meggie", Fianceroo calls me all sorts of pet names-- I'll spare you the mush :)

o {overnight hospital stays} None

p {pet peeve} Lots. A recent one I've added is "businesses without websites"-- Get with it people!

q {quote} SO SO many! Currently my mantra is "Fake it 'til you Make it"

r {righty or lefty} righty

s {siblings} Jennifer, Tyler and Briana

t {time you wake up} 6:00AM when I nanny, and anytime between 7:30AM-9:30AM when I don't

u {university attended} Ohio State University and Cincinnati School of Medical Massage

v {vegetable you hate} There aren't many I hate, but I don't care much for celery-- too much chewing for not that much flavor

w {what makes you run late} Misjudging the distance from my new home, Puppies that either refuse to go out or refuse to come in, Misplacing my keys, cell phone, etc. (ALL THE TIME)

x {xrays you've had} dental xrays, ankle injury from volleyball (torn ligaments)

y {yummy food} Any sort of pastry, baked good, or dessert and anything cheesy

z {zoo animal favorites} Penguins, Polar Bears, Giraffes

If you steal this idea, comment so I can check your blog out, too!

When I Win the Lottery

In case you aren't already aware, I plan to win the lottery at some point in my lifetime.

Notice I didn't say that I "hope" to win. It's going to happen. It's just a matter of when (sooner would be better than later, Universe, but you know, whenevs.) I also plan to win one of those ridiculous jackpots. I'm not talking a $100 scratch-off win. I'm talking instant millionaire.

So, in order to not be completely caught off-guard when I have gobs of money at my disposal, and to not go buying stuff all willy-nilly, I've decided to start browsing, planning, and adding the extravagant things I love to my wishlist now. Pinterest has been a huge help in this and I would love to share my "lottery list" with you all simply because it's fun to imagine!

To get things kicked off, the first thing on the list is of course, a house. And one thing my "lottery house" must have is an amazing studio.

Here are some of my favorites (via Pinterest):

I love the giant window and the gorgeous tree outside!

A modern log-cabin-ish feel

Is this a kitchen-turned-studio? Because that is GENIUS! SO many storage cabinets, island in the middle, even laundry for those messy artsy spills!

Oh...My...God... The ridiculous amount of natural light in this space almost brings a tear to my eye. I would kill for this light!

Oh, why hello there color! Nice to see you, as always.

This looks like it's probably a classroom but I like the laid-back, loungy feel. It would make a great meet-and-collaborate space.

I love the look of exposed brick!

Little ivy-covered cottage studio detached from the house-- how cozy!

Detached studio WITH covered walkway? Even better!

 So, a quick recap of my dream studio:

1. Detached space from the house
2. Preferably about the size of a small home
3. TONS of natural light
4. Lounge-y meeting space
5. Lots of color
6. Big windows
7. Giant tables
8. Kitchen-turned studio
9. A dash of exposed brick

Perfecto. Let's make it happen.

Tiny MoKoPo

During my recent move I was given the task of going through a bunch of old bins filled with "keepsakes" and throw out what was meaningless and take the good stuff to my new home. Two of these stellar finds were file boxes FILLED with old school papers, awards, and report cards from my younger years. I am SO SO grateful that my mom decided to keep them for so many years.

Rummaging through them has been both wildly entertaining and eye-opening. There are some ridiculous drawings and stories I created as a youngster along with some bits of evidence that perhaps I was born to be artsy.

Here are a few of my favorites from ages 3-6:

Diggin' the fringed pants!

I like our mix and match outfits!

I was pretty impressed by my grasp of perspective here. Look how tiny I drew myself down at the bottom!

My love for New Kids on the Block began at a young age...haha!

 

Ah, Ninja Turtles... such a sign of the times!

Preschool MoKoPo

My BFF, Lizzy, and me in "Daisies". This photo is an AMAZING find because it shows my botched attempt at cutting my own bangs when I was 5. Check those suckers out!

My color addiction started back then. I couldn't pick just one!

Apparently, I liked art.

This picture was a special find for me too. In an earlier post I mentioned that in preschool I vividly remember my teacher drawing a unicorn and thinking that being able to do so was the test of a true artist and I wanted nothing more than to be able to draw like that. Well, if you look closely, you can see where my teacher drew a "connect-the-dots" type of image for me so I can draw my very own unicorn.

My Stormy, Stormy Brain

I have no idea where I would be without my sketchbook. It's filled with all sorts of things-- new artwork ideas, business plans, grocery lists, home decor layouts, and to do lists. I have more than one sketchbook that I use at any given time but the important thing is that the storm is out of my brain and onto paper so I can come back to it later.

Here are a few pages out of one of my sketchbooks:

cover

MoKoPo logo brainstorm

Future business/Dream studio layout

buck and libby doodles

Mind-numbing Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria still in my sketchbook from my old job as a Psychiatric Research Coordinator. I leave it in there to remind me of how much I DON'T regret leaving that job.

A sneak peek at an upcoming project I'm working on. It's gonna be Fuuu-uuuun so stay tuned!

Do you keep a sketchbook? What do you fill it with? Do you have any pictures? Share them in the comments!

I Am Currently Obsessed With...

Craft Supply Shops

I had never shopped Etsy for supplies before and I had no idea what I was missing! Once I started searching for things like paper products, labels, tape, and packaging materials, my eyes were opened to a whole wonderland of fun stuff! Shopping for these goodies turns me into a kid in a candy store--- I just hope I don't spend more than I make!

Top Left: InspireLovely Top Right: kawaiigoodies Bottom Left: PrettyTape Bottom Right: knotandbow

 Kitschy Housewares

  
Maybe it's the super bright colors, or the playful subject matter, or maybe it's just the overall ridiculous tackiness of it all, but I've recently begun to appreciate the look of kitsch! I first stumbled upon Etsy seller, kitschcafe, and fell in love with the whole look of his shop. Instead of looking junky and "used", each piece well brilliantly photographed and organized, allowing its fun personality to show through. Now it's just a matter of knowing how much "kitsch" is too much "kitsch"-- don't want to overdo it!

Top Left: CaughtMyEyeCandy Top Right: thehopetree Bottom Left: kitschcafe Bottom Right: melanieperalto28

 Uniform Shop Listings

There's something very therapeutic about looking at a shop with organized and uniform listings. As a right-brained thinker my creative brain is always active. So when my structured, logical left-brain side is satisfied by the consistency of these types of listings, it is a much more relaxing experience. Plus, when you have very similar products for sale, having them all lined up makes it easier for me, as a buyer, to see the differences and pick which one I like the best!

Top Left: YellowHeartArt Top Right: Kreativlink Bottom Left: kinshippress Bottom right: sarahedesigns

30 Day Photography Challenge: What I Wore Today

blue flowery top * jean shorts * dark blue flats

30 Day Photography Challenge: Self-Portrait

**Happy June Everybody!**

Along with the other ramblings I would typically blog about this month, I plan to participate in this "30-Day Photography Challenge" created by White Peach Photography. Care to join? If so, just leave the link to the site where you'll be posting your photos and I'll follow along! 

Day 1: Self Portrait

Hellooooooo Summer!

The past two days have been HEAVEN! After the rainiest May in Cincinnati in, well, forever, it has been an incredible mood-booster to have two straight days with sunny, zero-rain, 90+ degree weather. Summertime is officially here!

The house I grew up in always had a pool and when I think of summers from my childhood I think Marco Polo, creating whirlpools by walking in circles around the edge of the pool, cookouts, and suntans. It's a wonder my fingers and toes aren't permanently pruney from the endless hours spent underwater. Now, as an adult, I am lucky enough to live right next door to that childhood home, and every year when the temperature soars and the A/C just isn't cutting it, I thank my lucky stars that the pool I spent hours in as a child is still just a couple of steps away.

I declared the past two days a mini-vacation. As all you self-employed people know, when you own your own business it is hard to separate work from downtime. There is always one more listing to create, one little detail to add to the painting, one email to respond to, etc. So, for the past two days, I spent the entire day by the pool, soaking up some sun, drinking some Mike's Hard Lemonades, playing Uno with my love, and having water fights with the fam. I plan to get back to work tomorrow but this little bit of mindless fun has been just want I needed. I am refreshed, relaxed, and filled with renewed creativity!

What are your favorite summertime activities? Favorite summer memories from childhood? I would love to hear about them!

Five Things I'm Obsessed With Right Now

It is on a daily basis that I see something, or do something, and think, "I am SO obsessed with this right now". I thought I'd share a couple of these things with you, my lovely readers.

1. Aztec Spice Mochas from Coffee Emporium

Photo by Tony T. Yelp.com

I first fell in love with this local coffee shop after an interview I had at the Over-The-Rhine location. I grabbed a white chocolate raspberry mocha and almost couldn't focus on the interview, it was so delicious. Lucky for me, there is a second location in Hyde Park, just 10 minutes away.

A couple of months ago, on one chilly morning, I stopped for my morning caffeine fix and decided to try the "Aztec Spice" mocha-- and then I died and went to heaven. It's the delicious mocha taste I love with a dash of cozy, make-you-warm-all-over spiciness. If you're in Cincinnati, try it. And I suggest splurging and going with whole milk for a desserty experience. Yummmm.

2. Adele

Photo from Adele.tv

I think I first found Adele via Pandora Radio on my "Duffy" station. Since then, my "Duffy" station has changed to my "Adele" station (sorry Duffy) and I haven't found one song of hers that I don't LOVE. She is amazingly, genuinely, deep down talented and her songs speak to my heart. I also find that I do my best painting with her voice in the background (at least that's what I tell myself)

3. Headbands

My love bought me a kickass gold headband for Christmas from Sprightly Strands, a fellow Etsian and Cincinnatian, and I have wanted every headband I've seen ever since. Here are some I have my eyes set on:

Beaded Headbands by Beaded Hope

Rose Drop Headbands by taprilcrosier

Silver Circle Chain Headband by bethanylorelle

4. Yellow

photo from designspongeonline.com

I never had much of an affinity for yellow. Don't get me wrong, I've never hated it, it's just never been the color I've been drawn to first, or even second for that matter. But lately, I've been particularly drawn to all things sunny and I want NEED the color of sunshine in my life. There's something about yellow that makes you smile, think of summer, and generally cheery all-around.

5. Pinterest

I. Am. OBSESSED. For those who have never heard of this website, it is basically like a giant virtual bulletin board that you "pin" the amazing things you find online so that you can find them later. You get to categorize them anyway you want, and you can view other people's "boards" as well. For example, some of my categories include "Need to Make" for DIY projects, "Dream Studio" for art workspace inspiration, and "Adorbs" for those random bits of cuteness that I want to hang on to. For those who are already members, here are my boards, feel free to "follow" me: MoKoPo Boards