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patchwork oakland spring 2014
Adventures

patchwork oakland spring 2014

ByNicole Stevenson May 12, 2014July 21, 2014

Follow my blog with Bloglovin “Want to see some photos of my kids?” the bartender, Felix asked as he pulled out his cell phone. He set his phone on the bar and scrolled through his Instagram feed. Lindsey (one of…

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diy washi tape and image transfer candles
DIY Projects

diy washi tape and image transfer candles

ByNicole Stevenson March 5, 2014July 22, 2014

Just so you know: Dear Handmade Life received products from Scotch that we mentioned in this post. However, we only write about and recommend products that we use personally and believe are awesome! When I was 24 I lived in…

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patchwork oakland fall 2013
Adventures

patchwork oakland fall 2013

ByNicole Stevenson November 26, 2013July 22, 2014

The night before I threw my first party I hardly slept. I was eighteen. I’d just moved to San Francisco and into my very own apartment. It was an 80s themed party and I’d planned every single detail including the…

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Here’s something you might not know about me… Here’s something you might not know about me… I resisted taking meds for my OCD for years. I thought it made me weak. I thought it sealed the deal on my diagnosis, like writing it in permanent marker. I was afraid I’d lose my “me-ness”—the quirky parts of myself that I used to hide as a kid but eventually learned to embrace. I was terrified I wouldn’t be as creative anymore. Guess what? The opposite happened. I became more me. I spent less time consumed by anxiety, hiding my obsessions, and wrestling with my compulsions. I gave myself the gift of a quieter mind, which made space for creative thought, personal growth, and honestly, just living in a way I hadn’t been able to before. But I was ashamed. Taking meds felt like the easy way out. So, I tried everything else first: therapy, self-help books, exercise, yoga, meditation, journaling, supplements, tapping, acupuncture—you name it, I probably tried it. And while those things helped at times, they eventually weren’t enough. It wasn’t until I became a mom at 44 that I finally took the leap. I wish I could say I did it for myself, but the truth is, I did it because I couldn’t show up for my son until I took care of myself first. Why am I sharing this here, in a space dedicated to helping creatives turn their passion into progress? Because so many of us creatives struggle with mental health, and I want you to know you’re not alone. Every time someone here shares their story—about taking meds, navigating their mental health, or just trying to get through a hard season—I feel less alone. If me sharing this can do that for even one of you, it’s worth it. If any part of this resonates with you, welcome. This is a space where you can show up exactly as you are—messy, brilliant, struggling, thriving, or somewhere in between. Our creative lives, mental health, and goal-getting journeys are all beautifully tangled together, and none of it comes wrapped in a neat bow. I see you, I’m with you, and I’m so glad you’re here. #creativementor #creative #mentalhealthawareness #supportsmallbusiness #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram
This is it! TODAY is your LAST CHANCE to join us i This is it! TODAY is your LAST CHANCE to join us in CAMP: A six-week online mindful goal-getting program for creatives. In CAMP you get... 🌟 A blend of inspiration, reflection, and action to help you achieve your goals. 🏕️ Virtual accountability “cabins” for connection and support. 📝 A guided curriculum to clarify your vision and create a realistic plan. + SO MUCH MORE! WHEN DOES CAMP HAPPEN? 📅 Enrollment Open: January 10 - 30, 2025 🚀 Week One of CAMP begins: February 3, 2025 MORE QUESTIONS? 📩 DM me or comment “CAMP” for a tour & to register. #smallbusinesssupport #craftersofinstagram #makersofinstagram #smallbusinessowner #goals #goal #goalsetting #craftbusinessowner #mentor
Let’s start with the good stuff: stepping out of Let’s start with the good stuff: stepping out of your comfort zone is the way to make this year different from last. Growth happens in that stretch—not where it’s cozy. Now, let’s talk about what I’m not into: the word change. So much of goal-setting feels hyper-focused on change, and honestly? That word rubs me the wrong way. It makes it sound like there’s something wrong with you that needs fixing. But here’s the thing—you’re not broken. You don’t need fixing. What you do need is growth. Growth feels expansive. It’s about enhancing who you already are, building on the amazing parts of your life, and leaning into your strengths—not tearing yourself down or trying to completely overhaul everything. Goal-getting is about adding to your life in meaningful ways, not crossing things out and starting from scratch. For me, it all comes down to the four G’s: Goals, Growth, Gratitude, and Grace. 🌀 Goal-getting isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon (but don’t panic—you get to pick your pace). When you approach it with curiosity and self-compassion, it’s not about pushing harder but growing smarter. If you’re ready to set meaningful goals without the overwhelm, CAMP is your space. Together, we’ll find your unique rhythm, set goals that feel authentic, and focus on progress—not perfection. Let’s enhance your life, not overhaul it. Sound like your kind of thing? Comment “CAMP” for more info. BTW: ✨ Enrollment closes TOMORROW on 1.30.25. #craftabeautifullife #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #makersofinstagram #goalsetting #goals #craftingcommunity
Before I tell you about my FREE class, let’s tal Before I tell you about my FREE class, let’s talk popcorn 🍿… tied for my #1 right now = Trader Joe’s Piquant 🌶️ and their French Onion 🧅. Both are 👨‍🍳💋. Now… Join me TODAY 1.28 at 5 PM PT for my FREE Goal-Getting Masterclass! 🎉 Comment “CLASS” to RSVP and get the replay even if you can’t make it live. You’ll learn to: 📌 Define & assess your goals 🚧 Bust through roadblocks 🛠️ Create a practical action plan 👋 Ready for the next step? COMMENT “CAMP” for a tour of my six-week goal-getting bootcamp for creatives ready to ditch overwhelm and make real progress. 🌟✨ #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #crafter #goalsetting #goals #freemasterclass
Did any of these surprise you? Here’s one more f Did any of these surprise you? Here’s one more fact about CAMP... You only have 3 more days to enroll! Comment “CAMP” for a tour or to enroll. WHAT’S CAMP? ✨ A six-week online mindful goal-getting program for creatives. 🌟 A blend of inspiration, reflection, and action to help you achieve your goals. 🏕️ Virtual accountability “cabins” for connection and support. 📝 A guided curriculum to clarify your vision and create a realistic plan. 💡 A space to grow your creative, business, or personal goals with grace, not guilt. 🤝 A supportive community designed to keep you motivated and on track. WHEN DOES CAMP HAPPEN? 📅 Enrollment Open: January 10 - 30, 2025 🚀 Week One of CAMP begins: February 3, 2025 MORE QUESTIONS? 📩 DM me or comment CAMP for a tour & to register. BTW: Comment “CLASS” to join my FREE goal-getting class on 1.28 & and I’ll send you the details! Can’t make it? If you register, you’ll get a link to the replay! #makersofinstagram #craftersofinstagram #smallbusinesssupport #smallbusinessowner #goalsetting #businessgoal #lifegoal
🎯 Ready to turn your creative dreams into done? 🎯 Ready to turn your creative dreams into done? CAMP: our six-week online goal-getting bootcamp for creatives, is the space where big ideas meet real action. From accountability cabins to weekly lessons, we’ve got everything you need to start and actually finish. 📅 Enrollment Open: January 10-30, 2025 ✨ Week One kicks off February 3, 2025 COMMENT “CAMP” for more info and “GOAL” to join the waiting list and make 2025 your most amazing year yet! 🏕️💪

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