We live in the songwriting capital of the world, where people are more aware of creativity as a commodity.  I’d venture to say that here in Nashville the creative meter likely runs higher than most. Yet in the form-fill world in which we live, we have to set a smart phone reminder to prompt ourselves to color outside the lines. The daily practice has to be cultivated, nurtured and even defended from the ease of monotony!

My maternal grandmother, Mimi, taught me about creativity. She provided stacks of construction paper and drawers full of crayons for my visits. She nurtured my imagination by allowing me my own agenda. I was allowed to play in her closets, draping myself in pretty dresses, silk robes, scarves costume jewelry and to freely wander and explore her gardens and pasture for inspiration. She gave me time to doodle and play, but she also gave me little jobs to do, such as sending me to check the garden and gather garden blooms. She gave me the chance to work along side her as she arranged flowers. I have pulled the golden thread of creativity throughout my life to keep it strong and vibrant.  Countless times I’ve closed my eyes and mustered inspiration from my childhood.

Nurturing creativity in yourself and your children can become as natural as breathing once you grasp the golden thread of creativity and begin pulling it through daily life.  Redraw a routine: Set a morning alarm to play music that awakens your expressive side. Fill your personal spaces with items that inspire you.

You can begin to nurture creativity in children by pointing out the beauty of nature—such as spotting a beautiful butterfly and asking your child to give it a name and make up a story about where it will fly that day.

You are creative. You really are. Exercise your creativity. Grasp the frayed edge of that golden thread and begin pulling it through your life in simple ways. Before long, it will become as natural as breathing.

A Heart-y Party!
Since Valentines Day falls mid-week when many families juggle home life, work, school, sports and packed schedules some may be seeking an alternative to the traditional romantic dinner by candlelight.  Resist store bought cards and fixed menu dinners this Valentine’s Day. Create and play!

These ice cream cone cupcakes were both simple to make and a big hit with the little sweeties.
I piped pink and red icing (which you can buy directly from the bakery) onto the cupcakes and let the children add sprinkles and valentine hearts. Using the ice cream cones as muffin cups is a twist on tradition and a fun way to display!

A vintage porcelain plateau provides the perfect perch for iced heart shaped bakery cookies. To layer the seasonal decor I like to pull items out of cabinets and drawers that color coordinate but may not necessarily be themed. These pink saucers make perfect cookie plates.

A natural vine basket I had saved from years before was easily fitted with a mix of spring blossoms from the grocery store.

A heart shaped cookie cutter plus rice crispy treats equals true love.

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I set the table as the children made cards for each other and our guests. Simple place cards are an easy way to make it special. I used scissors to cut hearts into lunch sacks to make goody bags for each personalized place setting.

If your home decor has a muted palette maybe skip the traditional red roses and opt for a muted bouquet such a blush blooms and dusty miller.