It's PHRIDAY, Mamas!!!

Phunky Mama Trucker Hats are in stock and shipping now!

 

 

It's Phriday, Mamas!  Whaoooo!  You made it through another week.  Pat yourself on the back.  You worked really hard this week.  (Just like every week! Am I right or what?)

Treat yourself or a Mama in your life today,  with a brand spankin' new, Phunky Mama Trucker Hat!

Also available and shipping now,  is the Grateful Mama Trucker Hat!

GRATEFUL MAMA TRUCKER HAT

I hope your weekend is beautiful, and full of adventure, love, and live music!

Jam on,

Mama Nic

Designer to Phans / Eternally Grateful 

Inspired and Uplifted!

Venice Beach

Hello Tribe!  

I just got back from my trip down to SW Florida, and I have to say it was pretty amazing!

Stump Pass Beach.   Englewood, FL

It was amazing for many reasons, one being the fact that my husband and I got to go ALONE, and amazing because every where I looked down there I found beauty and inspiration that refilled this Mama's cup so far up, that it is still spilling over!!!

 

I am so full of thoughts and ideas from the trip, I had a hard time figuring out where to begin writing today.  I knew I had to write something or my head just may in fact explode!  I decided to focus not on the trip but something I did at home yesterday in my own backyard. 

My masterpiece!

I wanted to make my outdoor areas of my place as pretty as I thought Florida was, so I pulled out my window boxes that my Hubby made for me when we first moved in,  and immediately knew what to do. 

Inspiration house in Punta Gorda, FL!

Just look at that color!!!

As we were walking around the Historic Downtown Punta Gorda, FL we came upon this little treasure of a house!  It was sunny and cute as a button AND it had recycled glass bottles in the window boxes that were so striking in the sunlight.  I just had to stop and take a picture.  I couldn't resist doing  something like this at our home! 

 I thought this was a brilliant idea because for one, as Mama of three I don't have a lot of time to water flower boxes and you can't kill glass bottles!  For two, I love color that doesn't fade away depending on the weather.  For third, you know I love upcycling and thought this was the perfect way to adorn our home.  And just maybe some fairy will come and make my empty bottles of wine and spirits grow into more wine and spirits!!!  ( A girls can dream, can't she?)

 I pulled together all the empty bottles around the house that I could find.  I didn't have many colorful bottles and I especially didn't have all one color to go on, so I pulled clear glass bottles, a few dark wine bottles, and a couple of vintage bottles that we had found in the dirt in the yard a while back.  Oh!  I also used a vase too.  There are no "rules" here so if you want to do this too just trust you inner artist and go for it.

 Just take the bottles and give them a good cleaning.  I filled the clear ones all the way to the top and added a few drops of food coloring.  I chose to use blue and green.  Make sure you have a top on there so the water doesn't get all gross.  I went down to the local greenhouse and bought some annuals suited for where my boxes were going to be in terms of sun and just picked 3 different textures, color, and heights.  I bought snapdragons, vinca vine, and dusty miller.

More brilliant color in the Historic District.

 I added some potting soil and first arranged the bottles, then moving on to the plants.  I added some more soil and gave them a little drink.  That's it!  I just love how they turned out.  Even if my plants do less than stellar there, the bottles will remain beautiful and vibrant!

Upcycled mermaid table at the tiny house we rented in Englewood, Fl.

Venice Beach.  Venice, FL.

Another pop of color inspiration in Punta Gorda. 

Dream neighborhood!

Hubbs, checking out the hood.  We are kinda in LOVE with this place.

 If you are inspired to do some window boxes of your own, please feel free to tag me on Instagram with #jamminwindowboxes or post your pics to my Facebook page!

    

Also, just a side note about this book that I picked on my my travels!  Finally after thirty some-odd years, I have not only realized,  but openly talk about,  and have accepted the fact that I am a six-sensory person.  All the dreams, odd coincidences, deja vu episodes, that whispering voice that guides your and gives your warning (and sometimes that whisper isn't a whisper at all...it is a thunder clap of a noise in my head!)   Those were all tools that you have when you are a six-sensory person and I now realize that is what it is.  When I saw this book at Funkie Junkies in Punta Gorda, it basically flew off the shelf at me.  Needless to say, I am really digging it.  I am also digging that colorful handmade afghan that I scored at Goodwill this weekend for $4.99!  I love a good thrift store find and here are two right in this pic. 

Hope you have been inspired to try a bottle window box, upcycle something, read a good book, go thrift store hunting,  or at the very least, been mildly entertained while reading this.  

Jam on,

Shop Here

Introducing our BOHO HEADBAND!

Hey Soulrockers!  

I want you to meet Mama Kim.  She is my official Crochet Goddess and long-time friend.  

I am so happy to collaborate with her on creating and bringing to you,  her delightful handmade, crochet goods in the shop! 

Be sure to click on the link to the video below so you can see this beautiful BOHO HEADBAND in action!

Check out my video introducing our new BOHO HEADBAND!!!

Lots of new items on the site this week.  Click here!

Jam on,
Mama Nic

What are you waiting for? Now's the time!

Hi lovely people,

 

 

I know you’re like me: you believe deep in your heart that you can have a soul-full life and success-full biz, and do a lot of good in the world as well.

 

 

I absolutely believe that, totally and utterly.

 

Which is why I want to tell you today about someone who is showing us EXACTLY how to make that happen.

 

My friend Leonie Dawson has created something that’s changing the lives and businesses of so many people around the world, and doing it in such a heartfelt, empathetic and real way that I am blown away.

 

If you don’t know Leonie yet, let me tell you a little about her now.

 

She’s a woman who really walks her talk.

 

She’s managed to create a million dollar a year company, working a few hours a day, spending loads of time playing with her family + making art + living a really fun + full life. And she is an amazing philanthropist. Just like me, she believes in making this world an amazing place by giving generously to causes she believes in.

 

 

I can’t begin to tell you how much I really resonate with Leonie – and I think you will too. (PLUS: she knows her stuff when it comes to business!)

 

Leonie created the Shining Biz & Life Academy, a training academy and mastermind, which gives you over $10 000 (!!!!!!) of business and marketing programs to create a powerful and profitable business, zen-your-mind meditations, creativity courses to supercharge your right brain, spirituality guidance for everyday life and home and health e-courses to help you live your best life yet. It’s a complete toolkit for transforming your WHOLE biz and life, whatever you want to focus on.

 

https://jlk86341.isrefer.com/go/SBLA/mamanic/

 

You’re probably thinking “I don’t have time for more information!” and here’s the great thing: when you join the Shining Biz & Life Academy, you get a full year of membership for the one really low price, so you can go at your own pace, and pop in and check out the materials whenever you want to.

 

Plus, she's got a great offer this month and you can join with an extended payment plan to make it easy to jump in and get started. 

 

 

So whether you want to spend time working on your biz, or you only have 15 minutes to get some zen, the Academy accommodates your life, and your schedule.

 

https://jlk86341.isrefer.com/go/SBLA/mamanic/

 

Go to the link above to see a ton more information about Leonie and the Academy – it’s something that I am in awe of, and want to really share with everyone who might need it. I hope you’ll check it out.

 

And if you’re in the mood to be inspired, and fired up, definitely check out the “Reviews” tab on that page. It’s full of the amazing stories of what Academy members are accomplishing! Reading inspiring stories like these lights me up and makes me hopeful for the world. I’m sure reading them will make your day brighter too.

 

Here’s the link again – take a moment to take a look!

 

https://jlk86341.isrefer.com/go/SBLA/mamanic/

Jam on, 

Mama Nic 

 

 

PS: Investing in your own education is the very BEST way to make your dreams come true. Especially if you learn from someone who has been there before and done what you’re trying to do. Leonie is a gifted teacher who can really simply explain how to make it happen, in a heart-centred, open-book, let’s-change-the-world-for-real kind of way. Click through below, and check her out.

 

https://jlk86341.isrefer.com/go/SBLA/mamanic/

 

 

 

Mama Bear out of Hibernation

My feet are walking.
Bluegrass in my ears.
Sun on my shoulders.
The smell of Spring's blooms bursting.
My heart is so full of happiness.

Mama bear is out of hibernation!


Speaking of Mama's..... maybe it was the way my Mama played her banjo for me when I was a kid.  Maybe it was the way she sewed her own banjo case, and clothes for me, and my dolls.   Either way, I was hooked on that twangy sound of those strings and sewing.  It is amazing how Mamas shape our thoughts and influence our lives passions.  That power a Mama has can be a good thing or a bad.  In my case, it was definitely a good thing.  Use your powers for good Mamas of the world!  

I love my Mama.

Happy Mother's Day weekend, friends!

Jam on,
Mama Nic

Simply Be

Do you ever feel like you are drowning in stuff ?

I feel like way too much of my everyday is spent cleaning up stuff.  Washing stuff.  Tripping over stuff.  Sweeping up stuff, washing stuff again.  The cycle repeats everyday and although I do find comfort in some routine, I can also see clearly now what is not necessary to make a happy life.  I feel like all this stuff is controlling my life, sucking up my time, and stealing away precious moments of the day.

I want to spend my moments with people and in the great outdoors.  I no longer wish to be a slave to my stuff and the notion that bigger is better.  

I have been thinking a lot about simplifying in the last couple of years.  How I live, what we eat, what I need to buy versus what I can make.  With three children and all the stuff that comes with that, our house got pretty cluttered, pretty fast.  It's time to stop just thinking and start the doing. 

I have taken a mental and physical inventory and really fell at this point in my life I know what I want and what I don't.  Taking an inventory like this I warn you all, takes bravery.  Courage to really listen to your own heart and hear what answers are.  Courage to be alright that what you think and feel even if it doesn't prove to be popular or conventional.  I was never one for convention anyways, but that is besides the point.

I think our culture has brought up this generation to feel like the more stuff they have, the more successful they are.  The bigger the house the happier you will be.  I too have fallen victim to that thinking and it was leading me somewhere that happiness would never be found.

I decided to figure out what makes me happy and what kind of impact on the world I am going to have in my lifetime.  What examples am I setting for the three little souls I am raising?

It took a few years.....yes, years people of thought and research to figure out exactly where I think I would be happy to live.  This choice is so different for everyone and I can't warn you enough that you should keep an open mind.  Don't limit yourself at all.  Think, ponder, research, travel, travel some more and when you find that place.....that place that you want to call home, don't be afraid to make it happen. 

I found my happy place and am in the works to make it all happen.  It takes time, planning, and careful consideration.

Dear Future Home,

I know this list is very  long and specific, but keep in mind that I am worth it.  The earth is worth it.  My kids are worth it.  Our health is worth it.  Happiness is worth it.

You will need to be a manageable space for my husband and I, energy-efficient, strong, uncluttered, full of sunlight, eco-friendly, affordable, sustainable, hurricane-proof, and by the coast.  

I want to spend more time outside so you must have a pool or water very close by.  I would like a yard big enough for the kids to run around and to grow a little garden.  I don't need to own acres and acres.  I just need you to be adequate for my needs.  

I want to work on relationships and have more quality time with family and less time taking care of you.  

Warmest wishes,
Mama Nic

I invite you all to follow me on this journey towards a simpler, intention, purposeful life.  I am falling love with the idea of less.  Less stuff and less stress and less money worries.  I am breaking free of your dream and am working towards mine!

 If you are interested in this topic and wish to follow me on Pinterest you can do so here.

All those people living in tiny houses are really on to something!  Let's just see where this takes me and I will share with you my process. 

Love, Peace, and Sandy Feet,
Mama Nic

Welcome, Everyone!

Hey friends!  How are you all?  It's been a while since I have stepped into blogland, but it's nice to say that I am back! 

Welcome to my new blog for Jam 'N Jellybeans!  I hope you will be an active participate in this little blog and it brings ideas, inspiration,  or just a groovy dose of happiness to all who read it.

Smile......you know you want to! 

Please comment, write me, and visit often.  It's nice to see you face around here!

Jam on!
Mama Nic