cracking the case

I think I've put my finger on why my posting has dwindled so dramatically this year. It's not like I feel that I owe anyone an explanation about my posting (or lack thereof): I honestly wanted to know why my brain has rewired itself to the point where I can hardly think of things to write about. And recently I figured it out.

First I actually have many things I can write about. Writing is how I process emotions and events and thoughts, and I need it. But these past several months I've felt this pull to be more private with my thoughts and my family. I can't exactly explain why I feel this pull, and I don't plan on making this blog private; but that shift in my mentality has obviously affected what I write about and when I write about it.

Lately my mind has been full of dreams and prayers. I've been focusing more on what I want for me and my family and less on what others may expect from me. I've felt the gravity of my role as a mother and the importance of my role as a woman and a friend. I've been refining my relationship with God and figuring out who and what He wants me to be. So it's been a full year, even if I haven't shared as much of it with you as I have in years past.

Life is so good, and I'm so happy to be living it (though I may not post much about it right now). Thanks for sticking with me, even when I withdraw. For now, I'd expect posting to be about the same as it has been: minimal. And I'm realizing that minimal is okay right now. Life comprises a million and one seasons, and right now I'm in a season that calls for less blogging and more present living. You understand. I'm positive a long and prosperous writing season is in my future.

So merry Christmas, and I hope your holiday is as lovely as I expect mine to be! Christmas with a lively toddler is bound to be both magical and exhausting. I'm off to live it!

introducing the Creative Domestic

So, guys. I had this idea a while ago, and I've been working through it for weeks now. It's part of the reason that I haven't been posting here as frequently as I used to. And now I'm ready to tell you about it.

OK. I started a new blog.

It's called The Creative Domestic.

And it's a blog about sewing. Mostly.

OK, now you know.

I've spent much of the past several weeks navigating my way around web hosting, domains, CSS coding, plugins, Photoshop, and web servers. I built my site mostly on my own and suffered only one ugly-crying meltdown. And now I'm ready to make it happen.

I've been feeling stuck in a blogging rut. Much of what I wanted to write about is sewing-related, and I know that not everyone shares my passion for the craft. Not everyone cares about fiber content and presser feet and indie pattern companies. Not everyone enjoys spending hours sorting through patterns to add to their to-buy list or slowly making their way through fabric aisles. But here's the thing: I enjoy those things. A lot.

I didn't want this personal blog to suddenly turn into an unfocused, quasi-sewing blog, so I just started a completely new blog. The Creative Domestic. It's a more professional space than this one. Like, it's a .com blog. Not a wordpress.com or blogspot.com blog. A dot-com-the-bomb blog. I set up a couple of social media accounts for the Creative Domestic and want to be a more involved participant in the online sewing community. (Didn't know there was such a thing? Well there is, and it's awesome.) And this blog may occasionally dabble into non-sewing topics like baking and chocolate. Obviously.

Where does that leave Small & Trivial? Right here. It's still a space I need, but maybe just not a space I need as much as I used to. I can't just leave. But I may be posting less frequently than I was this time last year. I love writing here, and I love interacting with all of you. Now you just won't have to put with my sewing nerdery if sewing and textiles isn't your thing.

So go and check out The Creative Domestic when you get a chance, and if it's not your thing, great. Maybe you know someone who would like it? It if is, then awesome! And maybe you also know someone who would like it? You're the best.

I wish I could tell you that I'm signing off to start a new sewing project, but my whole head is still full of all that thick cold junk. So I'm actually going downstairs to watch some Downton Abbey. Thanks for reading. I'm just so glad you're here. Always.

5 ways Pinterest has changed my life

I've read so many articles and blog posts about the pitfalls of Pinterest. Many of them have valid points: Pinterest paints perfection, sets impossible standards for decorating, travel, wardrobe, parenting, and cooking. And sure, I'll buy that. I go on Pinterest, and I'm instantly flooded with images of must-see vacation spots, the perfect baby shower decor, 20 healthy snacks to feed your toddler, and the five best secrets for a healthy marriage. And I guess if Pinterest is your life coach, then yes, it could be daunting, overwhelming, and discouraging.

For me, though, Pinterest is none of those things. In fact, Pinterest has changed my life--in good ways. 

:: I look through pins and see projects others have completed, and I feel my creativity unlock. I'm not the type of creative who spontaneously generates ideas. I'm good at recreating what I see, and I'm good at adding or subtracting what I like. Pinterest is an endless fount of springboard ideas!

:: I can dress up any day! This concept is something I grew up with, but sometimes I still feel like I should have to justify wearing a dress or heels or flashy jewelry. With all of those outfits trending on Pinterest, though, I re-realize that I can dress up any day I want! For no reason! I love that.

{source}

:: Contrary to what Pinterest amateurs think, you don't have to like everything you see on Pinterest. At first I thought that every pin I saw in my feed I had to love and repin and embrace. And that's just not true. I try to cull my feed to stuff I actually like and pin only what I'm serious about. (I need to go through my boards and weed out all those pins I pinned because I thought I was "supposed to.") No one says you have to like anything. Even chevron. (Which I do like. But ombre and nail art and jumpsuits? Pass.)

:: In the same vein, Pinterest has helped me define my personal style. As I scroll through my feed, I decide what I like and what I don't. And in that process I define what's me when it comes to style. I may like the super rustic look in a home, but when I think about me, that home style doesn't fit perfectly. So I take what I like and leave the rest. Using Pinterest as a tool helps me find trends and ideas that speak to me. I don't think I'd have nearly as Charlotte a home or wardrobe as I do without Pinterest to give me options.

{source}

:: Pinterest is a serious problem solver! Need ideas to entertain a toddler on rainy days? Ask Pinterest. Wondering what to make for your gluten-free friend when you make only exclusively gluten-y food? Ask Pinterest. Need ideas for that church activity? Pinterest. Obviously. (I should mention that when I say "ask Pinterest" what I really mean is "search Pinterest for sources and follow those pins to the original source because Pinterest wouldn't be anything without the devoted bloggers and content developers who are the brains behind your 10,000 pins.") I have found many solutions to problems using Pinterest.

So, Pinterest. I like you. We will definitely stay friends. Except that I'm the friend who basically uses you, and takes only a fraction of your advice. So I guess I'm that friend. But we're friends nonetheless. Now I'm looking to change up my mantle for summer. Any ideas?

Do you like Pinterest? Is it as evil as some say, or do you like it for what it is--a tool for creativity? 

PS: all images were taken from my Pinterest account. You can find me here.

lately

Hey, readers! I meant to write this post on Monday about some funny things that happened over the weekend, but Monday escaped me. And really the best thing I was going to list was Netflix asking me if I was still watching 30 Rock. And I was all, "Yes, Netflix, I really am watching this much Liz Lemon. Really." So now that it's the middle of the week, I'm here to give you a different list.

Lately I've been reading this book. I know it came out years ago, and it's ridiculous that I haven't read it yet. When I saw on Goodreads that almost all of my friends who'd read it gave it five stars, I immediately requested it from the library. I'm captivated.

Lately I've been in the market for a Bernina. For real. (For those of you new to this space, read this post.) My little Costco Singer isn't able to keep up with my projects, and it's time for an upgrade. This is basically my gift from Josh for the whole year. If all goes well, I should be up and running with a Bernina sewing machine by the weekend!

Lately I've been planning to make a million and one of this dress. It's a dream to whip up and is basically the cutest, most feminine summer dress, and I plan to make so many (especially once I have that nice sewing machine!).

Lately the weather has fast-forwarded to summer. I'd be okay with a bit more spring. We're getting some weather in the high 80s this week, and I can't say that I'm excited about it. On the plus side, the heat is giving me even more incentive to whip up some summer dresses.

Lately my allergies have been giving me hell. I've sneezed literally dozens of times today. My nose and throat and eyes are itchy, and I'm already taking two allergy pills a day. The tissue box is my BFF right now.

Lately I've been feeling a bit more like myself. And that's so good.

why I haven't been blogging

I've been sewing this backpack for Asher for our trip next week. It's made from shark fabric and a heavy twill. I think it's just perfect for my boy.

It's part of my airport survival plan. You understand. You may think I'm crazy for fitting in this project before a week-long trip, and I have no explanation except that I'm convinced Asher needs a shark backpack to carry in the airport.

Almost all of Asher's naptime is devoted to sewing, and then I have dinners to make and a husband and son to love. So blogging has been left a little behind. That should work itself out in due time, but for now the sharks are winning out.

PS I didn't win the sewing machine. I'm bummed about it. Obviously.

a humble Monday

You guys. I can't even begin to explain how touched I've been with all of the support and encouragement I've received about my jacket. I had no idea the level of excitement I'd see from this space. I've been completely blown away by all the kindness and love and encouragement shown on comments, Facebook, and even texts. Really. I can't even tell you how much all this love means to me.

The deadline for contest submissions is next Sunday, and the finalists will be chosen by the following Tuesday. Because the prize is such a big deal, the only people who get to vote on the finalists will be those who actually entered the contest. Regardless, I am so incredibly touched by everyone who told me they would vote for my entry. I will let you know about finalists next week! Keep those fingers and toes crossed!

So. With that said, I'm heading into this week with an added measure of humility and simplicity. I spent the first chunk of Asher's nap quietly cleaning the kitchen and prepping for dinner. I have no parties to plan or company to host, and I have to say I'm liking the slower pace. I'm taking time to enjoy the smell of this spring rain we've been having the past couple of days, and I'm finding contentment in not having a big project to work on. I'm breathing and living and slowing, and so far it's lovely.

In fact, I might go out and buy some tulips, because tulips sound absolutely perfect right now.

withdrawn

My calendar the past couple of weeks has been packed fuller than usual. So I've dealt with that by focusing on input rather than output. I've been reading and reading and just last night finished my Stephen King novel, which blew me away. You can read my review of the book here. The energy that I have had for output--in addition to the energy required for my calendar--I've spent on sewing.

I finished my contest entry and plan on taking pictures for the submission this week. I will certainly share the photos with you! And I have to say that I am thrilled with how this jacket turned out. I'm not always thrilled with my final products, but I am tickled chartreuse with this one. (Catch that little teaser?)

Really the past couple of weeks have been lovely, albeit socially draining for me. I've had a wonderful time chatting with friends, returning childcare favors, throwing a Valentine party, attending church functions, and watching Under the Gunn with the girls. The thing is that after all that, this blogging introvert can't muster the energy to write.

Josh's birthday is this week, and I have just one more sewing project to get in before then. (Details to come after Thursday. You understand.) Perhaps I'll have to dip into my list of post ideas to get this space rolling again, because believe me when I tell you that I love being here and miss it when I'm not.

blogging it out

This month has filled my brain with a million ideas of things to do, projects to tackle, habits to form. And I guess that should be no surprise--it is January. I guess the resolution train has never really enticed me before, but this year--for the first time in a very long time--I felt like I should make a list of resolutions. I want to make strides in my writing, work on home improvement projects, and become more skilled in my sewing.

My brain wants to tackle all of these things at once, and my heart knows that holding myself to such a high standard is impossible. So that all leaves me here, blogging it out while I wait for the iron to heat so I can press that fabric that I'm using for my first-ever quilt that I'm going to start piecing. Another project on my docket. Obviously.

How do you decide what to tackle and when? Because I'm afraid if I don't make a plan for some of these things, then I'll never do them. How do you manage your brain buzz? And how do you balance improvement and progress with just being and enjoying?

the briefest of recaps

Well, if this isn't under the wire I don't know what is. It's just a good thing I live on the west coast so that when I post this I'll still have two hours till the new year.

{via}

2013. You were pretty good to us. We survived sleep training and several bouts of teething. We saw first steps, first words, first foods, five haircuts, and a ton a personality. 2013 is Asher's first full calendar year in our lives, and so that's been all sorts of wonderful. We bought our first home, and I've jotted down a list of improvement projects to tackle in 2014. Asher and I took three roundtrips to Denver, one to Utah, and the shortest of roadtrips to Seattle.

{Asher a year ago}

I read 20 books, thereby meeting my GoodReads goal. And if I can buckle down and finish rereading The Hunger Games tonight, that final number will be 21. I read three memoirs, and five other nonfiction books. A couple of my nonfiction reads were read out of necessity (like Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child), and the others out of sheer interest. I reread only one book, and that was via audiobook. For 2014 I have a fair mix of fiction and nonfiction books on my docket. My favorite read of 2013 was probably Where'd You Go, Bernadette, and I was surprised to realize that I didn't read any deep, soulful book during the year. My reading goal for 2014 will likely stay the same: 20 books.

{via}

On this space, I documented the year I lived across the street from a rockstar, mine and Josh's love story, and that time I was kicked out of a restaurant. I examined what it means to be an introvert, the impact of sorrow on the heart, and why summer should be shorter. My biggest blogging feat of 2013 was Gracious Living: 31 Days of Refinement. I've received some of the kindest and genuine comments from friends and strangers alike, and I plan to keep this piece of the internet alive and well this year.

Well if I'm going to power through the last third of The Hunger Games, I'd better sign off stat. Happy new year, and tomorrow I hope you enjoy a leisurely day of movie marathons and stretchy pants. Heaven knows that my way to ring in the new year.

conclusion

Here we are. We made it. Gracious Living: 31 Days of Refinement is over. I won't pretend that I'm not a little relieved. I'm not used to this space of mine being so loaded with heavy posts. I prefer more variety with my regular posting. And I haven't ever posted every day in a single month. Ever.

This month has been one of stretching for me, and it been both good and difficult. Some days it felt like the universe conspired against me to upend all my real-life efforts at gracious living. I certainly wouldn't want you to think that because I chose to write about graciousness that I'm some kind of expert at it. That is far from the truth. I think about deep subjects, and sometimes maybe I think too much. But getting all that thinking into concrete words was good for my soul. And I hope it was good for yours.

I received so much kind and valuable feedback from you throughout this series: emails, texts, Facebook likes and comments, and blog comments from people I know and from people I don't know. It was humbling, and I'm glad the response to this experiment was so great. Maybe I'll do another 31 days next year. But then again, maybe I won't. Who knows?

Before I sign off for the weekend, I thought it would be fun to go through the month and let you all know what the most popular posts of this series were.

The Five Most Viewed Posts
:: Table manners matter
:: Notes from Emily Post
:: Happy birthday
:: 10 gracious characters in literature
:: Filled with compassion

My Favorite Posts
:: A napless day
:: For when you don't feel gracious
:: Throwing a party
:: What it means to have grit
:: Year three

I really love how some posts turned out. And I also wrote some posts that felt lackluster. But I made it. And so did you. Thanks for putting up with daily posts from me, posts that I hope weren't too didactic and preaching. I'll be back next week with lists, TV updates, and probably some pictures of my babe almost-toddler.

Happy weekending!

naptime chatting

I thought I'd kick off my morning by writing a little, a chat if you will. It's technically naptime for the babe, but he's chatting it up in his room too. So.

My motivation is hovering around a three out of ten, and I have some dusting to get to. Chop, chop, Charlotte! I mean, seriously though, I have season premieres to get to this week. And my Ray Bradbury book to start. I have my priorities, and while keeping house tops my responsible priorities, The Mindy Project tops my selfish ones.

What are your selfish priorities this week?

Before you log off to go be either responsible or lazy (I'm still on the fence on that one), check out Bonnie's blog for a giveaway I'm participating in. I'm giving away a copy of one of my favorite books, and others are giving away boat loads of gift cards. So seriously, check it out, because you could basically win the lottery on this one.

I haven't heard any baby babble in a few minutes, so maybe I can dust with some TV on in the background and then whip up a cup of cocoa. That sounds like a decent responsible-lazy compromise, right?

input and output

I've been kind of anti-blogging lately, and I think it's just because I've been outputting so much that I just need some time for inputting. (One of my college roommates will know exactly what I mean.) Sometimes you just produce so much and really just need to consume.

So lately I've been traveling and expressing lots of emotion and making dinner and writing articles and folding laundry and figuring out a new/old church responsibility that when I have a moment to sit down all I want to do is read a book or watch The Mindy Project. For the past week, the prospect of producing something worthwhile to post on this blog is overwhelming. My input/output problem is probably why I still haven't taken Asher's 11-month photos yet, and I might just let those slide completely. I mean, he's already halfway to 12 months. Goodness.

So there we are. My input-output ratios are a little unbalanced, and I'd like to get them back to a healthy medium. Because it's not like I don't enjoy writing for this little blog, because I love it when I do it. I just don't always feel like it, especially when I have another Stitch Fix box to sort through.

This may be one of the more disjointed posts I've written, but there you have it. My output is starting to wan, and I still have some pretzel rolls to mix up. So, I'm signing off.

let's be friends

I feel that if we're going to be friends--which, obviously we are--you need to know a few things.

:: I am a low-maintenance friend. This means that I don't always text, call, or write back (I do try--promise) but all that doesn't mean that I don't care. In fact, I can go for months without talking to you and still feel like we're best buds. That's what I mean by low maintenance. 

:: Watching TV is a highly enjoyable way for me to wind down. If we share a favorite show or two, all the better.

:: I hate exercise. 

:: I love cake.
:: I won't judge you on your grammar. Promise. (People worry about that one all the time.)
:: I am an introvert. This means that social things, while often enjoyable, drain my energy rather than replenish it. I need time to recharge. This topic actually deserves a whole blog post of its own, don't you think?
:: I value handmade and homemade, especially when it comes to cake. I love whipping up a good, made-from-scratch layer cake. I'll even teach you how to bake a cake.
:: Harry Potter and I are BFFs. You are more than welcome to join the club.
:: I drink hot cocoa year-round.
:: I pick Pepsi over Coke every single time. 

scribbled pot roast and writer's block

I've been feeling that I have nothing to write about that would be super interesting. I thought about telling you all about how I made a pot roast last night and how I'm still using the instructions I scribbled down as a college sophomore as my mom told me step by step how to roast a pot roast. But really there wasn't much of a story there.

My new favorite snack has been Nutella. I guess to get specific it's Nutella between graham crackers or on toast or on a spoon. Nutella. I went to three different grocery stores today because I refused to pay $4 for a small loaf of sandwich bread when I could get two big loaves of sandwich bread for $6 at Costco. So we schlepped to Costco just for the sandwich bread. I signed up Asher for the summer reading program at the library, and I'm thrilled. I figure that if I'm going to indoctrinate him with something it might as well be a love for reading, right? I start my weeks off running and slowly peter out to coasting by Friday. We've been chowing down on the most delicious watermelon.

You can't help but agree with me that none of those constitutes a real story. But I guess they're all small pieces that are currently making up mine. I just wish they'd lend themselves better to beating writer's block.

(We're closing on a home a week from Wednesday. I guess that's kind of a story--one for another post, I think.)

sayonara

I gave January a kick in the pants by taking a semi-spontaneous jaunt up to Seattle for a night this week. I have this friend whom I would easily describe as kindred spirit, even though we'd never met. She lives up in Seattle with her husband, Joe, and dog, Chewie, and I basically invited myself and my baby up for a short stay.

{Tulips at Pike Place}

Seattle is only a three-hour drive away, so Asher and I threw some things into a bag or two and headed away on Tuesday afternoon. Most of my short stay we just talked. And talked and talked and talked. Despite our delightful blogging friendship, I will admit to apprehension at actually meeting Ande in person. What if a real-life friendship didn't come as easily as our virtual one? My fears were thoroughly unfounded. Ande is as wonderful in reality as she is in her blog and blog comments, and our conversation flowed as easily as if we'd met years ago.

She was the most gracious of gracious hostesses. She made me tortellini soup and chocolate chip cookies for dinner, and steel-cut oats with pomegranate for breakfast. Late Wednesday morning we went to Pike Place where we wandered and ate donuts and chowder and croissants.

I couldn't have thought of a better way to say farewell to this month and to do so a little bit early. So, January, you lose in the end. I think those tulips prove it.

week's leftovers

:: Sunday we celebrated my father-in-law's birthday. (That's a new badminton set, if you can't tell.)

:: I made his favorite cake, chocolate angel food.

:: I'm still tickled over Josh's post. It's easily been the highlight of my week.
:: All of my pictures this week have been taken on our new Canon Rebel. I love it.

:: The Olympics have been on the TV a lot at our place this week.
:: I've been reading (and crying over) birth stories on my favorite blogs.
:: I did three loads of laundry for baby prep, and it might have been the first (and probably last) time that I didn't hate the process. I've been swooning over the newborn onesies.

:: This has been another week full of nursery projects. I'm starting to feel a little burned out in energy, but I am so. excited. to reveal the nursery when it's complete.

:: I commemorated Harry Potter's birthday this week with brownies and ice cream and a voicemail on Emily's phone in which I sang--from memory--the entire Sorting Hat song from book four (a la Jim Dale).

two wishes

I wish two things this week from the universe:

01. During moving week, endless milk in the fridge and cold cereal in the pantry. No grocery shopping, please.
02. Disposable clothes. No damn laundry.

I am, however, grateful this week for Dominoes pizza, a dinner-bearing mother-in-law, and This American Life podcasts.

on my heart

I've had much on my heart this past month, stuff that I haven't been ready to fully articulate or write out yet. I've been relatively silent on the blog lately, and I promise I'll get back into the swing of writing soon, giving you all an update on my year, my thoughts, and my heart.

For now, I hope your February is getting off to a good start, and I promise I'll be back soon!

2011 in review

winter

:: Josh and I started teaching the 8- to 9-year-olds at church. Boy, has that kept us on our toes.

:: I admitted an emotional funk.
:: I had some articles published in the New Era.

:: I discovered Fabric Depot.

:: Josh turned 26.
:: I fell in with Jimmer-mania.
:: I had a hard time adjusting to my full-time job downtown.

:: I started sewing, and my first skirt was dubbed "crafty" by an insensitive coworker, and my second skirt gave me hell.

:: I survived my first Oregon winter.

spring
:: We celebrated our six-month-iversary and had no qualms about the cheesiness of it all.
:: I had my first day off of work since Christmas.
:: I filed our taxes and with some of the return bought a KitchenAid
:: I met up with my sister, mom, aunt, and cousin at Women's Conference in Utah.
:: I met one of my kindred spirit friends through blogging, a friend who, incidentally, I had many classes with at school and never got to know until we lived on opposite sides of the country.
:: The rain continued.
:: I ate Lebanese food for the first time.
:: I went to the Oregon coast for the first time and loved it.
:: I had some a serious cake failure.
:: I read many, many books.

summer
:: We spent the Fourth with my family in Colorado.
:: I posted about my strong feelings on feminism and how women are treated in the media.
:: I chopped my hair.
:: I finished writing the wedding thank-yous.
:: I hiked at Mount St. Helens.
:: I stopped working downtown and have never looked back.
:: We went to DisneyLand with the Wilson clan.
:: I turned 24.
:: I planned my fall sewing.

autumn

:: I had another cake failure when I tried to bake a cake for my grandma's birthday.

:: We started rock climbing.

:: I made a point of doing spooky things for Halloween.

:: Rachelle came to visit for a whole week, and we rocked Oregon.

:: Josh and I celebrated our first anniversary.

:: I had an emergency root canal.

:: I subscribed to Cook's Illustrated.

:: I started a new job at Deseret Book, a place I never saw myself working until I got there.

:: We celebrated another Wilson Thanksgiving.

:: I added to our Christmas decorations.

:: I experienced working holiday retail hours.

:: I blogged only seven times during December, including this post.

So it was a pretty good year. Nothing super eventful happened, but sometimes years like that are nice. I felt like I really settled into my chosen life. I've felt contentment over my choices and have never been happier than I am right now.

Happy new year, everyone.

some affirmations

Yes, I am still a blogger.
And yes, I know that it's been almost two weeks since I've posted.
Yes, we went to Colorado for Christmas.
And yes, it was completely wonderful.
Yes, Josh did give me a Silhouette Cameo for Christmas.
I know.
No, I was not ready to leave home to go home.
Yes, both Colorado and Oregon feel like home to me.
Yes, I cried a lot when I said goodbye to my mom.
Yes, I will be getting back into the blogging groove.
Yes, I did buy more fabric in Colorado.
Yes, I did start listening to Harry Potter 5 when we got back tonight.
And no, I will not reach my 45-book goal for 2011. I did, however, surpass my initial reading goal of 40 books. And seriously, 41 books in a year is not too shabby.