Hello Again

 Its been so very long since the last time I sat here in from of my screen preparing to write a post. Or even opening my blog at all. Have you ever felt as though a part of you took off like a bear into hibernation? And you tried to look for that missing piece, it was so tucked away you could not find it, no matter how hard you tried to. That is exactly how I have felt these past few years. A large piece of my creative self just sort of fell away. Maybe because I needed time to wrap myself in a cocoon state of mind to one day emerge as butterfly? To find some footing and figure out who this new person I was was to become.  I have changed immensely over time due to so many major life changing events. As you well know I endured splitting from my partner of 10 years, but then in addition I left my secure 9 to 5 job of twelve years to pursue becoming an entrepreneur. In the end, both events catapulted me into this independent self driven woman making dreams come to life. Of course, I haven't done it all alone, as I have been blessed with my current partner (and fiancé) who has not only supported me but also continues to fuel the fire that drives the passion within. Although he has always been by my side through the majority of these new chapters, it took a lot of healing and self reflection on my own (and I do not mean weeks, months or just one year.....I mean years) to finally feel like I've overcome hurdles and healed wounds that if not examined or faced would just keep showing up at my doorstep. At last, life is this sparkly gem, magic, that is just waiting for me to take it and run. In healing these parts of me, just like that, that hidden piece that I had hoped would revisit has decided to reawaken. Although its a comfort for this creative side to come back, it feels different too. A bit familiar, but a bit more wild and unbridled. There are no cages this time around, this new piece of me is free to just be. The end result of facing my biggest fears and turning a new leaf has made me realize I am perfectly capable of achieving anything in life that I put my mind to. And I am sure so many of you can relate. 

This right here, writing, is what I have missed so very much. Its an outlet that is so therapeutic. I need it to focus, to get my thoughts out of my head so that I can find some peace from the chatter within. With this new awakening of creativity has also come with it a renewed passion to learn and re-explore that magical path I was once on. As it has always been a piece of me since a child,  the intrigue never fully left. But I took a break from magic being so prominent in my life and now that its back I realize how much I have missed this side of myself as well. Just like lighting a candle, it has shed light on so many facets of myself that I am delighted to explore once again. Rereading my past blog posts, my journals that hold multitudes of recipes for Celtic Roots (a business between my best friend and I crafting herbal remedies), my personal spiritual journey over the past years, old Pinterest boards that hold so much research on the spiritual and fae realm, collecting new crystals.....all so inspirational and breathtaking. And with this awakening has also come another new chapter in career, which I will reveal in another blog post. 

I am just so happy to be back!!! 

Much love and light,

Carla 

Ps: Please be patient as I re-do the look of my blog and update the material. Thank you kindly!

Escaping Cabin Fever

This morning I woke to birds singing and the peaceful sound of rain against my window pane. If I allow myself to daydream I can feel spring trying to ease her way back to the frosty Netherlands that Columbia County has turned into. I am pretty sure that we have had a winter more bitter cold than Alaska this year! I miss taking winter walks, snow-tubing or enjoying the outdoors, period. But with temperatures in the teens if not less, it makes for a long winter indoors and the perfect equation for cabin fever.

Trying to remain sane and positive, this time of year is perfect for focusing on our home and ourselves. I enjoy creating a home that feels like comfort. A sanctuary that speaks to my eclectic soul with bohemian and earthy touches. This past year I accumulated so much hodgepodge and items I thought I needed. I started to feel a bit claustrophobic so I started to purge, which I mentioned in my last article. It is so therapeutic to let go of what no longer serves purpose. If you feel like items are not adding beauty to your home or they are bringing your energy down, its time to donate them. Or toss them. After my great purge, I can truly say that my senses can relax a bit more. My home still showcases all that I love, just with much less clutter and clean open space. I did add some nice touches to my home that bring warmth and comfort. I like to think outside of the box when it comes to decor. Getting creative is perfect for days that we are stuck inside and we have a little more time on our hands. And it is the simple things that, when work out perfectly, bring me the greatest joy! Like my new hanging star lantern lamp that adds enough light so that my son can see while playing with his toys in the living-room and I can enjoy the exotic beauty it brings to my favorite corner of my home.

 

It is so beautiful and a great find. Handcrafted in India, super easy to put together and at $10.95 (plus the cord and bulb which was an additional $13.20), it was a must have!

Doing little things like this bring me such joy. I also treat myself to coffee made in my stove top peculator, writing in my journal, painting with my son, dancing to our favorite tunes. Along the lines of treating myself, lets get into focusing on our skin. These harsh winter days have been brutal on the skin. So while I am stuck indoors, why not have a home spa day. You do not need to break the bank on expensive skin care products. A simple face mask from the drugstore will do or you can create your own by combining 3 Tbsp rolled oats (ground into flour) + 1 Tbsp honey + 1/2 Tsp turmeric + some fresh lemon juice. Mix them together and leave on your face for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. This mask will chase away the winter blues and bring out your inner glow! Just be sure to stick to the turmeric measurements. I added more and had to scrub my face which had an orange glow to it for days! It wasn't the glow I was going for! And since I am a sucker for anything lavender or herb related, I couldn't help "splurging" on this new find I came across as I was grocery shopping. Aside from the fact that it smells heavenly, the name is my vibe and the design is a bonus too: Love Beauty and Planet - Argan Oil & Lavender. At $6.99 a piece it might be a little pricey but well worth it!

And this my friends is my advice for getting through these next few months! Have faith, spring is near. Get your craft on or do whatever it is that will nurture your restless soul. Relax and take pleasure in these lazy winter months. Allow your body to go with the flow. Before you know it our schedules will be filled with spring and summer activities.

xo
Carla