Artsy Local My Life

Hello, 2015

Back at it after a short break! First off, thank you for all of your suggestions for Christmas dinner. We borrowed a second slow cooker and made two pot roasts (using Martha’s recipe), along with smashed potatoes, veggies, and rolls. Easy and good!

Also, I was interviewed recently for the Wednesday Journal, a local paper. Neither I nor the writer had any idea that the interview would be taped until the photographer told us as he was setting up his gear. Surprise! The video and article were published on Christmas Eve.

Making it Lovely in the Oak Park Wednesday Journal

I enjoyed the break by playing with the kids, filling up my watercolor sketch book, and reading. It was awesome. Plus Brandon and I finally got over to the MCA to see the David Bowie Is exhibit before it ended! Also awesome.

Watercolor Sketchbook | Making it Lovely

#DavidBowieIs

There will probably be a lot of manifestos out there today. A lot of reflecting on the year passed, with people setting new goals or recommitting to existing ones along with examining the reasons to leave some things behind. A new year always inspires this sort of introspection and I’ve done it too, but I haven’t felt compelled to do so this time around. I have goals of course — as I always do — but they’re of the ongoing and in motion sort and I’m happy with where I’m both personally and professionally right now. The baby is still taking up most of my time these days, but it’s baby number three for us and I’m well aware of how quickly this time passes. I’d rather snuggle him while he’s still a squishy smiley little lovey thing than make an arbitrary list of things to do because it happens to be the start of a new year.

Taking a short break has definitely reenergized me though. I’m feeling creative, rested, and ready for what’s to come. 2015, let’s go!

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

You Might Also Like...

  • Chelsea T
    January 5, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    I’m in the same place with resolutions! Of course, we’d all like to be healthier, and less stressed, but the past year has been fantastic to me and my family, and there’s nothing I feel needs a drastic change. Keep on keeping on! Happy new year to you and yours :-*

  • Sarah
    January 5, 2015 at 2:15 pm

    Happy New Year! You really have the best blog and I’m excited to see what 2015 holds! But I’m also really happy that you are prioritizing your family and this precious time with your baby.

  • jbhat
    January 5, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    Here’s to a fun 2015 for your family! Nice interview!

    jbhat

  • Nicole
    January 5, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    Oooh… I remember when you first mentioning watercolor painting a while ago (& that awesome deer inspiration video). Your painting is amazing! This looks like something I’d love, but all past watercolor attempts have ended up so watery… Any tips on how to learn watercolor painting? (Beyond using less water, I’m guessing ;)

  • Heather O.
    January 5, 2015 at 6:34 pm

    Happy new year! Love your outlook on resolutions. I have a 3 week old and I can completely relate! Speaking of babies – what type of baby carrier are you using in the photo above? I’m in the market and would love to know what’s working for you!

  • Sarah @ 702 Park Project
    January 5, 2015 at 7:12 pm

    Happy New Year, Nicole! Glad to have you back, and I loved your Oak Park interview. I’m with you on the resolutions…I have plenty of goals, but I’m just not feeling like I have this great need to post about them this year. But that’s not to say I don’t thoroughly enjoy reading everyone else’s! :)

  • Traci
    January 5, 2015 at 9:57 pm

    Love that little sketchbook painting!

  • Lisa
    January 5, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    My hubby loves potatoes, but I’ve never heard of smashed potatoes! There’s nothing better than snuggly cuddling time with lil ones… enjoy! We have 3 as well. I did great with my 2014 goals, and will continue my ways. We started this year with a no-spend January. I already cheated.

    • lsaspa cey
      January 8, 2015 at 9:06 am

      I’ve always known smashed potatoes to be the ones that include the skins, otherwise, no other difference.

  • Patrice
    January 6, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    Lovely post Nicole, I can´t wait to see what you have in store on the loveliest blog.

  • Il Colazionista
    January 7, 2015 at 12:36 am

    Buon anno Nicole e ben tornata !

  • Honor Roll | Making it Lovely
    January 22, 2016 at 8:00 am

    […] saw David Bowie’s 1979 SNL performances with Klaus Nomi and Joey Arias at the MCA exhibit, but was only able to find audio clips afterward. All three sets from the show have been released […]