Journal : Reverie Daydream

kale + quinoa salad ~

May 22, 2013

Recently, I collaborated with a lovely and very talented friend, Kim of mosey images, to create a recipe video. Anyone who knows me, understands my deep love for delicious, healthy and simple food. Kim worked her magic behind the lens and captured the essence of simply preparing a meal to share and enjoy. We are already working on our next video and cannot wait to share soon! Cheers to eating well ~

embedded by Embedded Video

vimeo Direkt

photography and editing by kim thompson steel / mosey images

food and prop styling by melissa mcardle / reverie-daydream

a dreamy book of dreams ~

May 14, 2013

Do you ever walk into a room and an object speaks to you? It’s such a strong pull that you refuse to even go near it because you know the coveting spirit will be too overwhelming. You stay far enough away that you can just take sideways glances towards the object of desire and remain safe with the power of distance.

During a recent visit with very dear friends, my eyes and soul beheld the beauty of this book resting upon a table in their peaceful home. I didn’t even know the title or what the contents held within, but I knew it was special. It was calling my name. Like any well-behaved guest, I turned away from temptation, ignoring the seduction of this book’s aged beauty.

Then my husband arrived. He is definitely not a wallflower, his joyful presence is always known. And if something grabs his attention, he focuses, conquers and introduces the special guest to the party. Therefore, knowing my love for soulful beauty involving words, the book ended up in my hands.

I fell speechless. Our friends took notice. And within this magical space of time, the book became mine. He, our friend, a very talented artist of meaningful depth insisted I take this book. His words, “it finally found you.”

Yes, my dear Vincent, it did, and I will cherish it forever and always.

reflection ~

May 8, 2013

Every day, I see a reflection of myself in her. She is strong-willed, free-spirited, and curious. Why? has become the word of the day. Sometimes, I wish I didn’t have to answer the incessant questioning, but then I take a deep breath and realize that there is a lot to know in this big wide world, and well, her questions are good enough to deserve a grand answer.

This Spring, she has watched tadpoles evolve into frogs. Mother Nature has been my sidekick in providing visual aides to my descriptive wordy answers. Oftentimes, I find myself silent and in awe of this little being that seeks knowledge and depends on me to offer her daily wisdom. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have this responsibility on my shoulders, yet now, I can’t imagine life before her. She pushes me to grow, imagine, and be. It’s ironic that as a mother, my role is to teach and guide, but when I really think about it, I’m the one learning. Learning to be a better person, slowing down, and focusing on what truly matters, and my teacher is a little crumb, age 5. Thank you universe for putting me in my place…motherhood is humbling.

quiet details ~

April 12, 2013

Take time to notice the light as it passes through the glass panes of a kitchen window, or how the soft morning rays of sun fall ever so softly upon a dew-kissed petal within the garden.

As a breeze flows by, close your eyes and listen to nature’s sweet whisper in your ears.

When your eyes first open with a new day, smile. Begin the first waking moments by flexing the facial muscles in an upward motion…setting the tone for a fresh start.

Remove your shoes, feel the ground beneath you. The cool blades of grass or the sand between your toes, connect with the foundation of which we are all from, our beloved earth.

Steady your breath, steady your mind.

Seek out the bounty of local farmers, taste the flavors of the season, and savor the offerings while they last.

Stop and smell the roses, feel the silkiness of their blossomed petals, and admire the bees who buzz with glee amongst the budding gardens.

Fill a room with candlelight, hold a hardcover book in your hands, listen to the songs of birds.

When someone shares a story with you, pay attention to the details, really listen.

Don’t wish away today in hopes of a tomorrow, gather all the quiet details of every day and feed your soul.

Soak up your surroundings, seek the beauty, follow the joy, open your senses to the moment.

Live fully now.

{image of Anders Zorn’s studio in Gopsmor, Sweden}

arugula + avocado lunch ~

April 2, 2013

One of my favorite combinations is arugula and avocado. I cannot get enough of these delicious foods whether they are solo or paired up and made fancy with a bit of olive oil, aged balsamic, sea salt, and cheese {optional}. It’s a quick and healthy lunch which always seems to hit the spot!

bloom bright ~

March 29, 2013

Spring is my favorite time of year. New growth, fresh beginnings, sweet songs of birds, beautiful blooms, warmth of sunshine, longer days to linger, and blue skies painted with the grandest of white billows. Do you ever wonder if the reason you love a particular season is because you were born as a spring, summer, fall, or winter baby? I believe nature is within us, and the rhythms of our existence are aligned with our souls. Perhaps this is why Spring speaks to me so clearly, guides me, and offers a clean canvas of inspiration to my mind, body and heart.

I want to be a bright, bold bloom in this world, ready to make a difference in some way, big or small. Just an offer of a genuine smile to each person passed along the journey of a day, is a start. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’s rewarding to all…you and them. Baby steps towards a happier planet of joyful people is what it takes to spring forward into bigger footprints of change, at least that’s what I believe.

Happy Spring!

up in the air ~

March 21, 2013

There is one spectacle grander than the sea, that is the sky;

There is one spectacle grander than the sky; that is the interior of the soul.

~Victor Hugo, Les Misérables

This week, we have enjoyed walking around with our heads in the clouds, Sean received a commission to paint a 15′ x 24′ canvas for an upcoming ballet performance in San Francisco. It has been exciting to see the cloud formation of this epic sky unfold from beginning to end. On the final day of painting, he asked Gaia to add her artistic flair. I’ve never seen a little girl light up like she did when this honor was bestowed upon her by her favorite person on earth! The masterpiece of grande sky is complete, and now we wait for the dancers to add their magic essence of movement against this backdrop of incredible artwork.

If you happen to be in San Francisco on April 3rd/4th, we would love to see you at The Garage for the 8PM evening dance performances of “Up in the Air” by Milissa Payne Bradley. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.

setting a healthy example ~

March 13, 2013

I want her to love her body, to be strong, fit, healthy, and full of energy. In her early years, I believe it is important to set a healthy example for exercise. She sees me practice yoga daily. She also sees her papa run and go to the gym every single day. We make working out a priority as much as we insist on fueling our energy with healthy foods. From the very beginning, our girl has been taught the importance of fruits and vegetables along with the consequences of processed foods and sugars. I work very hard to make sure the groundwork continues to be laid for her to develop healthy living habits for the rest of her life, and in doing so, my priorities fall into place as well. I choose my foods wisely, make sure I eat three well-balanced meals a day even when there really isn’t always time, and show the importance of daily stretching and strengthening of my muscles, joints and bones. She watches every thing I do, soaks it all up, leaving me accountable for all my actions. Taking care of myself, accepting my body for what it is and how it looks, and nourishing my appetite with healthy choices are key elements for raising a little girl who is currently following in my shadow, shaping her outlook, and developing lifetime habits. If I can offer her anything along this journey together, I hope with all my heart she blooms into a confident, loving, strong, compassionate, healthy woman.

seeking light ~

March 4, 2013

The tulips fell obediently under its spell. The streaming beams of afternoon waning winter light shining through the panes of glass. Intoxicated by the translucent beauty, humbled by nature, grateful for being aware of a fleeting moment in time, my ongoing search found its daily prize.

Seeking light, the perfect light which transforms any object into a radiating piece of art. Every season offers a different hue, a shadowing perspective, an aura induced glow, a favorite is impossible. Fall’s golden fingers, winter’s grey backdrop, spring’s fresh brightness, and summer’s hazy halo…I love them all. Light is magic.

a new journey ~

February 28, 2013

As with all things in life, evolution happens on a daily basis. The changes may seem rather slight at times, yet gradually, a new journey or path unfolds. We shed the old for the new, leaving behind good and striving for better. A better sense of oneself. My passions remain the same as I aspire to take them to new heights: healthy living, simple pleasures, and striving to be the change I yearn to see in this world.

Although I closed the virtual doors on the boutique, I will always remain loyal and support small artisans from around the world. These hardworking, creative talents are the ones who deserve our monies when purchases are to be made, gifts to be given, and treasures to be gathered. Their stories and the offerings they design and create are worthy of our patronage.

The website and name will remain the same, for in my mind, there are few things better than moments dedicated solely to the art of daydreaming. For the past year, I’ve been teaching yoga and it has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. I am looking forward to sharing more healthy living thoughts and videos {which will include recipes, yoga, holistic remedies, and more} here in this space. Photography and styling has also been a welcome transition into this new path, so it will be fun to share current projects here too.

This new website could not have been possible without the incredible talent of my dear friend, Brandi. She is the most efficient person I’ve ever worked with, and I cannot highly recommend her enough if you need coding or website design services. If you ask me, the girl floats beautifully in the genius category of life.

My wish is for this site to be a source of inspiration for living a life filled with health and simple goodness. Thank you for joining me as I wander along this new journey; I look forward to evolving reveries into realities.