An Update

Why, hello there. It's been quite a while since I've posted here on Tulips & Tea. Perhaps you've been following my adventures in health and wellness at Green Plate Studios, or perhaps not (which is okay too).

To be really honest, I've found myself missing this space. When I launched Green Plate Studios, I did so with a craving for a fresh start. A clean slate on which to sketch my new life's path. It was a transitional moment in my life in many ways, and I felt the urge to renew my online presence alongside my evolving vision and goals.

Right now in my life, I feel myself drawn back toward the things I grew to love about Tulips & Tea, which began as a way to express myself, and grew into a channel for reflecting upon life's simple pleasures and the quest to infuse joy, creativity, and mindfulness into my everyday experience. In many ways, I think the self-discovery prompted by Tulips & Tea enabled me to create a new possibility for myself within the world of health and wellness. And while I remain firm in my commitment to the holistic lifestyle that inspired Green Plate Studios, I feel myself coming full circle in my journey toward balance. A balance that includes a love of life's colorful details, and a willingness to be in a state of wonder about the whole self.

I suppose all of this is a long way of saying that I'm itching for a return to the coziness of the community we created here on Tulips & Tea. You can continue to follow along with my health and wellness pursuits at Green Plate Studios if you'd like, but you can also expect more frequent snippets of life's loveliness here on Tulips & Tea. I will welcome your voice into the dialogue wherever you choose to join in.

Thank you for being you.
xox

Thank you and a question

Thank you, all, for your incredible response to the news I shared earlier this week.  I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all of your support and well wishes!  It is especially encouraging to hear from those of you who have made changes of a similar magnitude in your own lives, and are now happily living your bliss.

While I'm excited to be following my passion, I must admit I'm a little bit nervous about diving headfirst into the unknown.  However, when I think back on times in my past that I've stepped outside of my comfort zone, I see that it is these periods of transition and uncertainty that catalyzed real growth, and with that in mind, I'm eager to engage fully in what will surely be an interesting, probably challenging, yet also exhilarating year.

This weekend's plans are focused on getting a few logistical things in order, including cleaning up our office and equipping it for my school and business needs, and shopping for a new car (though Jason and I have been happily sharing a car since we moved in together, it looks like our newly divergent schedules will necessitate a second vehicle).  I'm hoping to squeeze in a run, a hot vinyasa flow class, and an outing to the dog park.

You readers are always such a great source of information, so I'm wondering if I can pick your brain for a minute.  I hinted that I foresee some changes in store for Tulips & Tea.  Have you ever re-launched/re-branded your blog?  If so, what difficulties did you face, if any?  Any tips, tricks, and resources would be much appreciated!

Have a wonderful weekend! xo

Healthy Living Blogs

Yesterday, I was happy to learn that Tulips & Tea has been accepted to the Healthy Living Blogs database!  Healthy Living Blogs is a new resource for the health blogging community. Created by Lindsey of Sound Eats, HLB is a site designed to enhance the positive community of the healthy living blog world. Bloggers and readers can explore the site and find more blogs to love, bloggers in their area, and forums to deepen healthy discussion and support.

As you know if you're a regular reader of Tulips & Tea, within the past year, I've made major improvements to my health and well-being.  As a result, this blog has increasingly become a reflection of my path toward holistic wellness...which, to me, includes not only physical health, but emotional, spiritual, and creative balance.  Registering with Healthy Living Blogs was an expression of my commitment to continue on this healthy path.  I'm so grateful for all the support and encouragement you guys have shown me along the way!

If you're interested in having your site listed on HLB, you can find instructions here.

Image via Healthy Living Blogs.

An announcement + a new look

Exciting news today!  I am delighted to announce that Kimberly Wilson has invited me to serve as a contributing writer for her yoga and lifestyle blog, Tranquility du Jour.  The last Friday of each month, I will post a column musing on a food-related topic.  If you're a regular reader of Tulips & Tea, you probably know that I am passionate about cooking and eating good food, made from wholesome and healthy ingredients.  I am thrilled to have the chance to explore these interests further via Tranquility du Jour, of which I'm a long-time devoted reader.  My first post goes live this Friday.  I would be oh-so-flattered if you would give it a look-see!

Secondly, I'm pleased to unveil a new, more minimalist look for Tulips & Tea.  Maybe it's the especially hot and muggy summer we've had; whatever the reason, I felt the urge to shed some layers, metaphorically speaking.  I'm still putting the finishing touches on the new design, so stay tuned for a few new additions to the site, coming soon!

Blogger with Heart: Robyn Michelle-Lee

Hello lovelies,

Remember the Bloggers with Heart series I began some months ago?  I must confess - I've been feeling terribly guilty about allowing it to lapse into oblivion.  I suppose I could make some excuse about being too busy, planning the wedding, blah, blah, blah.  But I kind of hate excuses like that, and you wanna know why?  It's because I believe that, consciously or subconsciously, we make time for the things that are important to us. 

And so the truth is this:  These past four or five months have been a time of intense growth for me.  I haven't really shared very much of this here (aside from the changes I've been making on a physical level), but I've had some really significant realizations about what I want in life and, as a result, my journey toward personal fulfillment is taking some unexpected and exciting turns.

What does this have to do with Bloggers with Heart?  While I've kept up a fairly regular schedule of posting here, my thoughts have often been elsewhere, musing about things on which I'm not quite ready to elaborate.  Blogging has, quite frankly, moved down a rung or two in my life's priorities.  I've taken some much-needed time and space to retreat a bit - to move into my own head and heart and to build up my internal reserve.  As the incomparable Julie Cameron writes in The Artist's Way, it's difficult - almost impossible - to simultaneously honor our own creative energy while entwined in the creative lives of others, as inspiring as they may be.  I've taken a purposeful step back from my interactions with others, both online and off, and I've found that my own voice - my authentic wants and needs - is more clear to me when it's not competing with so much "background noise."

Yesterday I was delighted to hear from one of the bloggers I'd originally wanted to feature as a Blogger with Heart.  I felt that her words were coming to me afresh, reaching me at a different place than they would've just a few months ago when I was feeling overwhelmed by the enormous variety of creative possibility in this world.  Having had a bit of distance from it all, I'm feeling inspired in a new way, and I'm suddenly recognizing kindred creative spirits everywhere.

The aforementioned blogger is most definitely one such spirit.  Since first reading her guest posts on Tranquility du Jour and subsequently finding her beautiful blog, I have continually been enamored with her lush descriptions of life's simple pleasures.  In fact, I believe her beautiful lifestyle - good food, an appreciation of beauty in the natural world, and a focus on friends and family - is partially what prompted my own introspection as to what I want my life to look like and how I'll make it happen.

Without further ado, I am excited to present this week's Blogger with Heart: Robyn Michelle-Lee of This is Life.  

Party time

Dear friends,

I hope you wore your party dresses, because this little blog is turning one years old today!

I began Tulips & Tea as a journal of thoughts, adventures, and moments of inspiration. My intent was to chronicle the things that make life lovely (hence the blog's name, which encompasses two of my favorite simple pleasures), and to share my thoughts on topics I'm passionate about: good books, good food, green living, art + creativity, yoga, and much more. When I began, I had no idea that this blogging community would become such a big part of my life. But it has, in ways that are hard to define and quantify. Suffice it to say...you guys have had a bigger effect on me than I'll ever be able to express.

Thank you for hanging out and being the wise and wonderful women that you are. You guys are awesome. Here's to another great year!

xo,


Image via weheartit.

Radical authenticity

I've been contemplating writing some version of this post for awhile now and a conversation I had yesterday finally convinced me to take the plunge.  A blogger friend and I were Gchatting about some emotionally charged topics and she said something to the effect of, "I wish more bloggers would tackle tough issues like relationships, body image, etc.  It would be so great to have a forum to discuss these kinds of things."

I know there are many bloggers who cover tough subjects with amazing - sometimes downright astonishing - honesty (hello, Penelope Trunk).  However; is it just me or is there a maddening tendency among many bloggers to portray their lives as picture-perfect fairytale romps through Never Never Land?  While I'm the first one to champion fun and uplifting content, I often find myself yearning for a little more substance and a little less style.  However, I don't take issue with these blogs...not really anyway.  Instead, I take issue with myself.  If I really wish that more bloggers would talk openly about these kinds of things, then why shouldn't I hold myself to the same standard?  

I can tell you why I don't.  I don't because I'm scared of sharing my feelings so openly in a public forum.  I don't because it makes me feel vulnerable.  I don't because I fear that the response wouldn't be positive.  I don't because I worry that no one would care.

But, you know what?  The more I think about it, the more empowered I feel by the idea of injecting some radical authenticity into these posts.  I recently tweeted about how excited I am to have lost 20 pounds since December (woo hoo!).  A couple of you lovelies immediately responded by asking me to share some weight loss advice, so I began working on a post in the form of a bulleted list with tips like eat more fresh fruits and veggies, etc.  Halfway into my post, I realized something.  I could come up with 7 million "tips," and still any post about weight loss would feel incomplete if I didn't share at least a little bit about my mental, emotional, and physical struggle to be in a place where I feel really good about my body.

I'll still share my tips, but I'm re-writing the post.  In fact, I've got lots of topics that I'm excited to blog about with radical authenticity.  My hope is that this space will continue to be a source of positivity and inspiration, but that I will also provoke some candid conversation on a wide range of topics that affect us all.  Thank you for being the supportive and intelligent ladies that you are.  I look forward to deepening our dialogue and continuing to build our little blog community.

xo,

Blogger with Heart: Stephanie of Heart-Piercing Life

For any new readers,Bloggers with Heart is a series of interviews with bloggers whose voices resonate with authenticity, sparkle, and soul. You can read past interviews here.

I am so excited to share this Blogger with Heart interview with y'all. It was only in the past few months that I "met" Stephanie, who blogs over at Heart-Piercing Life. Yet through her blog and twitter, I have quickly come to feel that I've known her for years. Her musings on creativity, personal growth, and wellness constantly inspire me to push myself in these areas. And, if you know Stephanie, you'll know what I mean when I say this girl simply radiates warmth. Her big heart and generous spirit just leap right off the screen. Plus, she's got talent in spades - check out her lovely Etsy shop, Heart-Piercing Cards. Sunny personality, serious crafting skills, killer hair...and did I mention killer hair? I know you'll agree that Stephanie is a total gem and a true Blogger with Heart. (I'm especially loving her answer to question 13...yup, pretty sure that's my new life mantra!)

1. Why do you blog?

The combination of personal pleasure and shared expression keeps me writing. Though I must say, I started off blogging for one reason (myself) and it has gently evolved into something more. While I may be a blogger with heart, thankyouverymuchanaliese, I am really just your everyday person. My hair is just probably a bit bigger than yours.

2. How do you come up with ideas for posts?

Bus rides. Long days. Sunshine. Bicycles. Everything I do and touch and see and smell inspires me. (I seriously have animal senses!) I try to keep my blog deep, inspiring, and relevant. Most of my blog posts are written as a way to archive my days. Whether it be an event, a remarkable meal, or an art project, I want to use my blog to capture the true essence of the experience. Ultimately, I aim to communicate my experiences authentically, but I do try and share what I share with a smile and whispers of love. We all need more love.

3. What does "Heart-Piercing Life" mean to you?

This is such a good question, because honestly, I have no record of what I was thinking when I conceived that name for my blog. However, after years of writing from the heart and making art from that central place, it just makes sense.

I sold my handmade paper goods, Heart Piercing Cards, at a craft fair over 4th of July weekend, and this young girl, maybe a 10 year old, was shopping with her grandmother. She was really hip. Her grandmother purchased a card and the girl looked me straight in the eyes and said: “I like your stuff. The Heart Piercing Cards. I get it.”

That really took me aback. If this ten year old girl could “get” living from your heart, from that sacred space deep within your chest, even when that means it isn’t all mountaintop experiences, and expressing that life with authenticity, than I could, too.

The mountains, the valleys, and celebrating every step; that’s what Heart Piercing Life is all about.

4. What is the best thing about blogging?

It’s a serious toss up between the outlet and the community. Recently, I have had the pleasure of meeting many inspiring women through blogging (and twitter)… That sense of an online community is new for me, AND I LOVE IT! However, I’ve just been blogging to blog for 2+ years (thankgodforarchives!), so that outlet piece is really important to me, too. I need somewhere to write about what is holding me and some way to send my thoughts out into the Universe.

5. What is the hardest part about blogging?

Finding the balance. Sometimes I really want to TELL ALL, or say what I really need to say. However, I also want to be perceived as a force for love & positivity…so telling all can be done in a way that builds you up or in a way that breaks you down. I choose UP.

I have always been a purveyor of this principal: what you do in the dark you should be able to speak about in the light. When shame builds force, it can be extremely dangerous. So I try to display my courage right alongside my questions. But that balance isn’t always easy to find.

6. What does the blogging community mean to you?

Shared wisdom. Hope notes. Support. Encouragement. Sisterhood. Borderless friendship. Serious inspiration. Gentle Reminders. Challenge. Artistic insight.

7. Your creative spirit and big heart are so apparent in your posts. How do you cultivate such a positive outlook on life?

In the recent past, I’ve been practicing positivity, but when I was a little girl, I was a firecracker for sure. My grandmother’s maiden name is Lala and I’d like to think I was spunky from the start. The creativity has been cultivated over many years. Confidence hasn’t been my strong suite as an adult, but I’m gaining some momentum these days…declaring my strengths and counting myself blessed to know my vulnerabilities. I lean towards sunshine, positivity & grace, because, um, what’s the alternative? Didn’t think so!

8. Which bloggers inspire you and why?

When I set out for inspiration, I end up at these fountains… I’m always reading:

* Brook at Inchmark: she pairs up creative ideas with real heart, and a solid love for her family & good design.

* kaileenelise: she is consistently posting some of the best content I read.

* sarah Ahearn’s blog: mixed media artist with a sweet, soft way.

* sophie blackall’s missed connections blog her illustrations are TO die for

* tea&tulips a lovely blog that assists in the discovery of small delights!

* elsa more’s style blog: the hidden seed her outfits make me want to be cuter & more daring fashion-wise.

* melita at gussying up the tuttle keeps me zen & in a peaceful place. i love that about her writing.

* Kristen gardner’s photography blog: her photography captures the essence of love & togetherness & wonder.

9. What else is inspiring you right now?

Holistic, responsible wellness; my boyfriend’s handsome, classic style; Austin, Texas; my gratitude journal; all things spring!

10. What advice would you give to someone just getting started as a blogger?

Don’t ever hesitate to express what you’re authentically experiencing. If you love food, write about it. If you love trees, tell us all you know. Hang on to your stories, tell them as honestly as you know how to, and applaud the people who, by sharing theirs, inspired you to do the same. That goes for new bloggers and the rest of us, too!

11. Five by five. Tell us your five favorite: books, movies, albums, foods, and simple pleasures in life.

Books: Fortunes (Jen Lee), I Thought It was Just Me (Bréne Brown, PhD), Pilgrim at Tinker Creek (Annie Dillard), Gilead (Marilynne Robinson) and Dream Work (Mary Oliver).

Movies: Tristan & Isolde; WALL-E; Persepolis; The Visitor; Elizabeth.

Albums: The Tallest Man on Earth; Regina Spektor; Vampire Weekend; The Be Good Tanyas; Iron & Wine (those are artists, not albums! sorry!)

Foods: Miche (a French country loaf); Kale; Coconut; Organic Apples; Salmon

Simple Pleasures: back-scratching, dark chocolate, fresh air, good jeans, bike riding.

12. If you had the opportunity to create "the perfect space" space for blogging and other creative pursuits, what would yours look like? (How would it be decorated, what objects would surround you, how would it sound, feel, smell, etc.?)

O-la-la, I am so craving a change of living space and have had PLENTY of time to dream about its details! I would have the perfect combination of art space and work space. I would upgrade to a MacBook Pro and my work space would be clutter free! My art space, while organized, would be granted the permission to be as cluttered as (temporarily) need be! Paul (my beau) always says: “You have to make a great mess to make greatness.”

The space would be naturally lit, with inspiring prints and soft turquoise painted walls. Antiqued wooden furniture with white and resin desk accessories. I would always have a Lucia soy candle burning, music playing, and a huge bottle of water nearby. Hot tea & dark chocolate, too!

13. In five words or less: what is the meaning of life?

Don’t hold back your gold.

Stephanie lives in Louisville, KY and works at the University. She is pursuing a career in wellness coaching, and makes fanciful handmade paper goods on the side. She is currently on a quest to live out her golden year.

Thanks, Stephanie, for sharing your thoughts with us! You rock!

Photo of Stephanie by Brooklyn-based photographer Victoria Wall.

New year, new look

Happy Friday dear readers! I'm really excited today because something I've eagerly awaited for the past three months has come to fruition: a new look for Tulips & Tea! If you're reading this in a feed reader such as Google Reader, be sure to hop on over to the actual site today to check out the new design.

For a while now, I've been contemplating a redesign of the site. I wanted a look more visually reflective of both my personal style and the blog's content. While researching designers, I happened upon Tabitha Emma, the designer behind the beautiful Department of the Interior blog. After perusing Tabitha's website, blog, and Etsy shop, I knew I'd hit gold. Her sweet + whimsical yet uncluttered aesthetic was exactly what I had in mind. If any of you are thinking about a blog redesign or otherwise need the services of a designer/illustrator, I highly recommend Tabitha Emma. She was able to translate my somewhat abstract ideas into a cohesive look, and she made the process easy and simple to boot.

It might sound silly, but the redesign makes me even more excited to blog - sort of how a new hairdo or great outfit puts a little swing in your step!

A bit of housekeeping

Dearest readers (and a hearty welcome if you are new to Tulips and Tea!),

I wanted to take a minute to update you on a few things.

1. I will be taking a petite break from blogging until the new year. The rest of this week is filled with holiday celebrations and festivities, so I'm going to "unplug" from the computer and bask in the simplicity of good times and good food shared with family and friends. Then, next Monday, Jason and I leave for Key West, where we will meet up with my parents and sister for a week of tropical fun. I'm looking forward to lounging on the beach with a good book and a cocktail, snorkeling, enjoying fabulous sunsets, and indulging in incredible food! Don't worry - I'll take lots of pictures to share with you! I will also post about my intentions for 2010 when I return, as I am still in the process of pondering those.

2. The Bloggers with Heart series is still alive and well, but due to a number of factors (mostly my own busy schedule), it's becoming clear that my original once per week plan was a tad overly ambitious. I have some really fantastic interviews in the pipeline that I hope to share with you early in the new year, and in the meantime, I appreciate your patience as I develop a workable rhythm for this series. (And please keep the great nominations coming by emailing me at tulipsandtea AT gmail DOT com.)

3. Finally: the fun news! I have been working with a totally rad illustrator/web designer on a very exciting makeover for Tulips & Tea, which I hope to unveil in early 2010. Along with the new look, I am toying with switching up my approach to blogging a bit, and possibly incorporating some new features. Recently, I've been so inspired by a number of sources and, as a result, feeling pulled to explore some new directions with this blog. As I refine my ideas further, I would LOVE to hear feedback from you all. What would you like to see more of? Or less of? Are there any topics you've been wishing I'd tackle? Any particular features you'd like to see (either within the posts or the site itself)? I would be so delighted to hear your thoughts, and if possible, would love to try to weave them into my plans for the blog.

I'm wishing all of you a joy-filled, relaxing, and peaceful holiday season! See you in 2010!

xoxo,

Analiese Marie

Image via Please Sir.

Feelin' the love

Aww, thanks so much to Sarah of Hindsight for bestowing upon me my first blog award. Thank you! I've only had this blog for a short while, and have already been amazed by the awesome blogging community out there. I'm finding so many amazing people doing creative and wonderful things. In that spirit, I would like to pass along this honor to some fellow bloggers.

Everyday Revelry
Gussying up the Tuttle
Magpie Girl
Blisschick
theScienceofWings
City Girl Lifestyle
Hang on Little Tomato (Carolyn, from one of your recent posts, it sounds like you may have already gotten this award, but I'm giving it to you anyway because I simply adore your blog!)