Worth the fight

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 As I make my way through LOVE DOES my perspective is changing on love. Particularly what it does to us and what we do with it. Because love does things. Love pays for a strangers dinner, love makes dinner for a sick friend, love shows gratitude for the tiniest favor, and love does things that show undeniable kindness. 

It's a simple concept, but also seems very complex. But really if you think about it, Love is really simple and we are the ones who are complex. God is love and his love is easy, but we take into consideration convenience, awkwardness and self-benefit. Which makes us complicated…. why can't we just focus on God? 

When we even question for a second if we should or shouldn't follow through with an act of kindness, that isn't love. Because love does things. 

Do something kind today that makes someone feel loved.

Be Still

Photo by Brian Shakley

Lately, I have struggled with a morning routine. Which ends up making me feel like there aren't enough hours in the day to get the things I want, and the things I need, to get accomplished, done. It's a frustrating and defeating cycle. But without fail, in my rushed moments of prayer, God whispers to my heart to be still. Thats it, just be still. Be still so that I can listen, absorb his sovereignty, and focus my goals to align with the path he has set before me. One day I will sit down and write down the story of how this little dream came to be, but until then, this verse pretty much sums it up.

Naturally I am a planner, so this is hard for me to grasp at times. BUT God's timing and plan is perfect. The plans I make for myself will never be, and again, that is a hard pill to swallow when you've got plans and dreams and drive. God wants to use that fire inside of my heart, but just for the right things at the right times. So for now, I will do my best to BE STILL and know that he protects and guides me in the best direction, always. 

A song I heard on Way FM the other day really captures this concept. Listen and fall in love! 

Casting Crowns - Already There

She is Hazel Berry

Sometimes in our day to day responsibilities and when we have put everyone's needs above our own, we forget who we are and what we stand for. Sometimes the reasons why we do what we do, or the really amazing qualities that we love about ourselves, get lost because of our never ending to do lists and comparison of others success. 

Well it's time to give your self a few minutes to remember all of those lovely qualities that make your heart really special. When reading Emily Ley's '5 minutes' post this week, it struck a cord with me and made me give my self 5 minutes to gather my self, pray, and be reminded of the who Hazel Berry is. 

Give your self a few minutes today.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Happy MLK Day!

It would be ri-donk-ulous if I didn't take a moment to reflect on the importance of this day. Having the courage to chase your dreams involves a serious kind of courage. I am so grateful for those who have made it looked achievable enough for me to make it happen for myself, and those who have shared when it was harder than you ever imagined. Your encouraging stories of stumbles and triumphs are truly inspiring, and it pushes me daily to GO FOR IT. So, thank you. 

And THANK YOU Mr. King for this encouraging call to action. You deserve this day.

Now, I am off to enjoy this sunshine with a couple of my dream come trues. 

bedtime stories // melts me

Habits // New Products!

Have you ever read the 'Encouragement for Today' posts on crosswalk.com? 

I frequent on these daily devos. They are quick, meaningful and often so dead-on and relatable with my life in that moment. They are a great mid-day pick-me-up too!!

So about a month ago, I read this devo by Nicki Koziarz  titled "Habits of a woman who doesn't give up." It touched my heart in so many ways. It made me feel so grateful for the positive examples people have set for me, and even gave me a little self confidence boost, that even when I am tired, burnt out, and feel like I have nothing left to give, I can still do it. Giving up is one of those things that crosses my mind daily, but I just can't seem to do it. God's grace saves me every time! 

Each point is so encouraging in its own way. So, I have designed a collection of Art Prints inspired by the 5 points in this message.  The points are as follows..

"Here are five habits I've discovered which characterize a woman who doesn't give up:

1. She gets up each morning and follows through with her commitments, despite how she feels.

2. She approaches the Word of God with reverence.

3. She longs for the grace of refinement rather than the grace of relief.

4. She chooses to invest in the world with joy.

5. She has a spirit of unbreakable determination.

What about you? What has God called you to do? Start by adopting one habit today and commit your work to the Lord.

Lord, thank You for filling me with purpose, faith and determination. Help me continue to do the work You've given me. Amen." (by Nicki Koziarz)

Read the full devo here. 

So that was a super long introduction, BUT totally necessary because Nicki's post inspired these prints that I am OH SO PROUD to show you! So without further ado…

Hazel Berry Paper

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Do you need a little encouragement in your daily routine? What is your favorite phrase or verse that motivates you? Which print do you relate with the most? I would love to hear it! 

Monday Mantra

Art Print via Hazel Berry Paper

Somedays we need to be reminded of this. When we wake up in the morning, God has already given us everything we need to be the best version of ourselves. He has equipped us to achieve our dreams, big or small. It is all up to us on what we decide to do with it. If you are anything like me, you are thinking "No pressure! Ha!" But really, pressure is just self doubt. 

Doubt that I can do this. Doubt that I am enough. Doubt that I am doing the right thing. 

The bad in this world has trained us into thinking that we need the doubt. That its humbling, or even healthy. 

(game show buzzer) WRONG!

God intends for all doubt to be erased once we dwell on his hope, our faith and his grace! So as I channel my inner hot air balloon, today I am going to do something that sets my heart on fire. Something that lifts me and carries me around so weightlessly in love and peace, and lands me safely into a place where God has already prepared for me to be.  

What will you do today that takes you to your promise land?

Happy Monday!

High Five for Friday!

Here is a recap of my week!

pretty please

Hazel Berry Paper is officially on Facebook. Like everything I set out to do these days, it took alot longer than it probably should have, but HEY... Done is better than perfect right? OR in the words of Lara Casey... sometimes DONE is PERFECT. So if you are a reader, friend, family member, or a plant please go like it by clicking "pretty please" up above. 

Get this now.

I received my DAY DESIGNER for signing up for my AHINSPRED SESSIONS! I have to say... the price tag on this puppy is not exactly something I was excited about when I first heard of it, but once I got it in the mail ( it came with my inspired session package! ) I realize how valuable it truly is. Just filling out the first few worksheets made my vision a little clearer in how I can accomplish the goals I have set out to reach. Well done, Whitney English. Well done.

HBP

Yes, I am spoiling the surprise with this post, BUT I think its worth sharing the concept. So I did. Booyah.

"For every Hazel Berry Paper order I give a free little gift. Shipping out a meal planner last week inspired me to add a little personal touch! Yep, you guys are spotting some lovely new recipes cards with my holiday apple pie recipe to start! It's sooo delicious, and my husband, the dessert connoisseur, says its incredible! I feel inspired to relish the opportunities to add a heartfelt touch to each and every product that leaves my doorstep. Hopefully, my new friend likes it. :)"

Me on Insta.

NEW PRODUCTS!

I know I have posted about this already this week so go here to read up on these, and go here to get a closer look! 

Art print by Mulberry Press Co.

Sera, of Mulberry Press Co., is such a sweet soul that I discovered through Instagram! I love her creativity and her heartfelt, yet witty products. When I spotted this print by her, I gasped in such excitement because that is a prayer I have prayed many times recently. Thank you Sera for your genuine heart and for this print! I also ordered another item that I just couldn't resist.. but I will share that at a later date. One of my special friends might be receiving it and believe it or not, I don't won't to ruin the surprise! 

This week has been productive. So cheers to that! Time to enjoy the weekend and spend some much needed quality time with my husband! 

Link up with H54F here.

HOORAY!

Guess what y'all!

There are some new notepads in town, minis to be exact! I am loving them! Each of them is a 6"x8" notepad, designed and made with even more love. I decided to try some smaller pads, as the bigger ones aren't always necessary, so let me know your thoughts on the variety! With out further ado, here are my new creations in the shop.... 

"Oh so lovely" mini-notepad----more colors! 

"Hey Beautiful" mini-notepad ---more colors! 

Personalized leaf mini-notepad in a variety of fall colors.

Floral circle monogram mini-notepad- personalize your monogram!

Well there they are. Hope you love them, because I sure do! To view each product in the shop, click on thumbnail image. To go straight to all of the Hazel Berry goodness go here. 

Master Designer

I have recently become apart of this Manifesto, and I feel so proud to be apart of it. Darlene from Fieldstone Hill Design is behind all of this, and I couldn't be more blessed by her intentions of bringing us designers together in such a touching and powerful way. We may not deal with the same mediums, clientele or design in the same way, but we are all united by the one who call us to our purpose. 

As designers, we love to create beautiful things. That is our passion, our calling and our service. 

"I LIVE TO BRING GLORY TO GOD THE ULTIMATE MASTER DESIGNER.

He created beauty. He created all beautiful things. He created my passion for beauty and set that hoy in my heart."

That is my favorite part because it is a huge piece of my heart in sentence form. I'm so grateful for Darlene's kind heart and welcoming me into this lovely group or dreamers and doers. Also, a special congratulations is in order to Darlene and her family on their gorgeous baby girl. 

Visit Fieldstone Hill Design and learn more about the Master Designer Manifesto. If you scroll to the bottom you will see Hazel Berry Paper sitting proud. :) 

Happy Sunday! 

Swooning on Saturday

Good Morning! So far on this Saturday morning, I have enjoyed coffee on the deck, read a few more chapters in an amazing book, and put on my orange and white for the day... GBO! 

Here is what I have been swooning over this week on Pinterest!

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This will be my next business venture. 

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This made me laugh so hard. Love the #dadfacts. 

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I've been having an obsession with Calligraphy lately.  I've got a long way to go, but I love the hand lettering look and how everyone's style is so different. Your style says so much about you and your personality. My hand lettering personality will be making its debut next week in a new art print for the shop. YAY!

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I LOVE Lauren Conrad. She is such a classy individual with impeccable style. This photo obviously isn't her, but it is from her blog on her Geek Chic Style Guide post. I might have attempted this outfit this week... Come on, I know I'm not the only one who goes to Pinterest for outfit inspiration!

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 One million times yes. 

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I JUST KNOW IT. 

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I need something new in the hair dept. I'm not adventurous with it these days. I used to be in my high school and early college years and it didn't serve me well. It brought to life my first what was I thinking moments. What I Love about Jessica Biel Timberlake's hair here is the very subtle ombre meets highlights look. I am not a huge fan of the I just dipped the bottom of my hair in bleach look, so this is more what I think I can handle. My hair girl might be getting a call next week....

Happy Saturday!

Savor September

Let Light Art Print via Hazel Berry Paper

Although inconsistent, I attempted #intentionalaugust this past month. I did make some big moves that I'm proud of and really excited to continue pursuing! As we enter a new month, its time to reevaluate a little bit. 

Lara Casey's most recent blog post was a cluster of honesty, transparency, and humility. 

I just love her heart. 

She reminded me that too much of a good thing, is still too much. In working toward so many goals, my mind can only agree with that statement and feel comforted by it. Even when I'm following what I believe is God's path for me, I can only handle so much. 

We are taking a little mini vacation for the holiday weekend, and what perfect timing to slow down a bit. I really look forward to it and I even look forward to coming home and starting a new month of hard work, with a fresh mind.

Less hustle, more quality time with loved ones, more rest, more grace, and more love. Let's do this #savorseptember. 

To purchase art print about go here. To browse other Hazel Berry goodness, go here. 

In honor it Labor Day weekend, any purchases in the shop, from today until Wednesday, are 10% off. Use coupon code: LABORDAY at checkout to receive the discount. 

Have a great weekend! 

The Beginning

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I've been thinking about what to say in this fist blog post all week… ALL WEEK! In hopes to save my brain from exploding over the most important topic decision ever… (not really)… I am going to just go with it and talk about what ever makes my heart happy in this moment. 

I saw this quote the other day on the Katie O'Keefe Blog (which is one of my favorites by the way..) and it made my mind stop running its daily marathon and really think. I have so many goals, loads of passion and ambition. Three things that didn't exist, to the extent that they do now, until about 6 month ago. I've always been goal oriented, but I lacked a lot of drive. The kind of drive that makes you put your self out there to either fly or fall. But now I've got it, I've found it, and I'm doing it. Exciting right? I think so!

All that to say, I get consumed with my dreams and passions. (I mean, why do something if you can't put your all into it… right?) Although I believe that to be an integral part to making things happen for yourself, Its not everything. I read a post last night on Instagram in themed with #intentionalaugust (compliments of Lara Casey), and this person said some profound things about being present in the moment. It really hit home, in relation with how preoccupied we can be with thoughts, social media, you name it. I believe that I really try to be in the moment and soak them up as much as possible, but I am so imperfect. I want to try harder, be present, and engage more.
Live with Intention :)
(you might read that quite a bit over here :) )

When it matters most, hustle a little less, and love a whole lot more.

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And I know this is contradicting to that last phrase, but isn't this T-shirt the bestest???? Ashley Brooke Designs, People. Another favorite.