Nashville Wedding Invitations - the sweet life - Amber Housley - Designer Mom Crafter - Sweet Life Designs

Making Things Happen

Is it possible to walk into a room of 19 strangers and emerge 12+ hours later as the very best of friends? I suppose it is. Is it possible to walk out of the same room and feel that any 19 of us could accomplish anything our hearts and minds wanted? Not the likeliest...

It happened to me this weekend here. 

No we didn't drink krazy cool-aid. There wasn't magic fairy dust involved. 

But I AM a changed person. I AM a capable, strong, successful businesswoman with an amazing team of cheerleaders who have my back every step of the way. I AM thankful for the example I have found for the life I want to lead by looking at Lara, Gina and Natalie. My heart is full with the friendship I have found in the other 16 similar spirited women. 

I spoke earlier this week about a new feeling that came over me recently, about handing it all over to Him, and letting Him show me my purpose. I've seen my purpose now, and it is amazing. I AM living a life with intent. I AM showing my family how much I love them each day. I AM sharing my creative talents and gifts with others for the intent of sharing joy. I AM encouraging other women and Mom's to go after their business entrepreneurial dreams.

I AM capable of anything. 

Watch out for the new design and media empire that is about to unfold for myself and Sweet Life Designs, there is such an exciting journey ahead and I'm taking you all along for the ride!

Curiosity and Excitement

Colin discovering the wonder and beauty of jelly fish for the first time at an aquarium in Gatlinburg this past November. 

So I head off on a little adventure tomorrow to Atlanta. Not sure what the future holds for me but my curiosity and excitement has been growing for this weekend when I attend Making Things Happen Atlanta. My mind and heart is open for all of the great things that are to come my way for both my personal and business life. 

And of course, I'd be lying if I didn't also mention how much I'm looking forward to hitting up the Pottery Barn outlet on the way home. ;)

Hoping a little angel follows me around on the icy roads early tomorrow morning. Visions of my boys at home all snuggled up warm will be definitely be in my head as I start my journey at 5am!

Showing up with my heart

2011 didn't exactly start how I expected it to. But that's how life is, isn't it? Always going against expectations. 

I had in mind that by now my new website would be more complete. That all my 2010 financial business accounting records would be up to date and ready to send off to the tax lady. Newly polished marketing materials for myself, plans underway for a huge party showcasing a new 2011 line. And that I would be entering this new year refreshed and renewed and ready to tackle all of these amazing plans I have for 2011!

And here I am, sick. Sick since Christmas with a cold turned sinus infection turned cold again. Victim of a wonderful little boy who attends daycare and is exposed to every little germ possible and is pretty much in the same boat as I these last couple of weeks. I'm trying very hard not to wallow in my tired of being congested misery and really focus on this new season ahead. And giving some much needed attention to my clients.   

This week made me think of how things are different lately. We've been going to church a lot more regularly the past month or so. Even on these crummy cold and blistery out days. I want to go. I want to hear the message they are offering. It's one year ago this month that we started attending Providence UMC. And it's only now in the last month or two that really the messages started hitting home for me. It wasn't just an act of showing up to church anymore, it is now the act of showing up with my heart at church. I've heard the message in the past of giving your troubles over to God. And in the past I may have said I was doing it, but I don't think I really was in my heart. 

And you know what? The moment I really did start doing it, asking everyday of Him to please help and give me strength and wisdom to keep on pushing through. To finally surrendering my own plans and ask Him to show me the plan He has made for me.... Things have changed. This new year, something just feels different this time around. Little "happies" keep falling into my lap. Little things that make me stop and think - this is a sign. 

The next couple of weeks are going to be a flurry of activity and new adventures and new friends. I really can't wait for all that is in store. I put together this inspiration board for the new website and just looking at every ridiculously charming image just makes me so happy! Maybe it will bring some joy to you as well this wintery January day.