zip the lip

This week has been a doozy for me, friends. Yesterday began with a speeding ticket and ended with my tooth breaking as I was flossing. HOW does that even happen? Just, so silly. And I completely let the day's events swallow me whole. Feeling mad at everything, complaining endlessly, all around not a good look for me. I could see it happening, too, but I was powerless to stop my bad attitude. I was incapable of moving on from the annoying/silly/ultimately trivial things happening around me.

I started last week's #LRWmademedoit social media campaign to hit refresh, and even though it was about clothes, I think subconsciously I thought I could hit refresh on my perspective, too. No such luck; I feel like a total Scrooge this week. See, I'm really just mad at myself for searching for something to complain about, because, to be honest, life has been pretty great lately.

I'm putting my foot down this morning. Raven and I have 1 hour to hang before I leave for the next 10 days, and I plan to make the most of it. I'm zipping my lip, shutting the hell up, and starting now, trying to have a little gratitude.

I will see you tomorrow, (hopefully) refreshed and appreciative.

xoxo,

image via.

help us celebrate!

Today is special for two reasons: 1) This is our 100th post right he-yah! and 2) We are 25 days into our 50 Day Challenge, #scratchfor50!

What does that mean for us? Gratitude.

Thank you for reading, for commenting, for encouraging, for sharing, for making us a part of your daily life, for believing in us, for following us, for telling your friends and family about us, for making us feel so supported and so loved.

What does that mean for you? More chances to win prizes!

#scratchfor50 is not over yet. All the details of the contest are right here. But just because you may not have started yet, doesn't mean you shouldn't! You have 25 days to make a creative difference in your life, to take in all the creative aspects of your day and honor them, to carve out places where you could exercise that creativity a little bit more. A late start is better than not starting at all, and we'd love to see the world through your eyes.

Wondering who has jumped on board and what they've made so far? Hop on over to InstaGram, Twitter, and FB and search the hashtag #scratchfor50. Prepare to be instantly inspired.

InstaGram: @littleredswell

Twitter: @littleredswell

Facebook: little red's well

21 ways we're finding peace this season

The holidays are spectacular and stressful. This is the time of the year when everything heightens just a little bit, both good and bad. When the more uncomfortable parts of the season start to bubble up, old fights reemerging with family, feeling scheduled to the point of frenzy, being financially stretched to the limit, it’s easy to forget what else is bubbling up, too. Moments of peace, serenity, gratitude, warmth. Here’s what Allie and Court are putting their attention on and intention towards this season:

Early morning snowfall.

Discovering David’s Tea - especially the Choconut. Drinking this makes skipping dessert a no brainer.

Full and epic days of doing all the things you love.

Having such amazing friends that you all massively re-arrange your schedules to accommodate a long overdue dinner party.

When snowboots actually pull your whole outfit together.

Standing in your work without apology.

Noticing that moment things start to get better.

Creating new habits and seeing the payoff.

The smile and laugh of the person you love most in the world.

Tenderness from strangers.

Creating new traditions.

Plugging in your Christmas tree in a nearly dark apartment every morning.

Trying meditation for the first time, and loving it.

A new shade of red lipstick.

Heading to a girlfriend’s apartment for an evening of holiday movies, wine and oreo truffle-making.

An actual laugh out loud text with your good friend whom you adore.

A night at home to watch TV with your boyfriend and your dog.

Making eye contact with and smiling at every person you encounter (cashier at the supermarket, cab driver, mail person, barista).

Buying yourself a Christmas present, too.

Homemade soup.

Accepting a compliment (and believing it’s true).

What are some things that bring you peace and joy during this crazy time of year?

(And a very special Happy Birthday wish to Allie's brother, Brendan.  Love you, Bren!)