So as some of you might recall from a previous post, I'm an angel.....a Blog Angel that is. I've secretly been a Blog Angel since June 1st. This means that I've been helping and encouraging another fellow blogger without them knowing. Well, today we get to reveal the blogger we've been angeling. Yippee!
It's been quite a ride for me. I learned more about the art of blogging, linking, tweeting and all that good stuff.....god knows I need it. But what I found most rewarding, was getting to know a new friend....Reading about their likes and dislikes and taking a peek into their world. I had the pleasure of being a guardian blog angel to Emma from My Life And Things. I must admit, at first I wasn't sure that Emma and I had much in common, but as I read her words, I found myself laughing out loud to her humor, commenting on her thoughts, dreaming about traveling more, jotting down books she likes and starting my own bucket list. One of my favorite posts that I found completely amusing was an excerpt from her old diary. She talks about how a voice and a person unfortunately, sometimes don't match. Since voices is what I do for a living, it made me giggle. Go HERE for a laugh.Emma, your blog is great! Thanks for inspiring me and for sharing your words. 
Check out My Life And Other Things HERE.
With two kids, an unfinished basement and no playroom in site, the toy situation at my house can get out of hand. I find, that easy access and organization allows my kids to enjoy their toys more often. It also encourages them to play on their own, with a little help from imagination. Here are some creative ways to organize and store the toys, while taking on the creative with your kids! 
STUFF YOUR THE TIRES
Paint some old tires and let your kids store their favorite toys. Great for outdoor toys too!
BEACH PAILS!Create a toy pyramid with your beach pails and store the small stuff.
 Holly Trostle Brigham
Holly Trostle Brigham lives in Historic Overbrook Farms in a part of Philadelphia. She lives in an 1895 Gothic gray stone house with her husband, David Brigham and her two children, Noble (10) and Flora (6). Though she would love an Airdale, her son is allergic to dogs so they have all settled for a turtle named George III.
 Holly, Noble and Flora Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
I am a painter. No. Not a house painter, an easel painter. People sometimes need clarification. I don’t think of my noodles as thrown on the wall, but rather arranged carefully like the installation art of fellow Smith College alum, Sandy Skogland. I am preparing for a solo exhibition at the Berman Museum at Ursinus College in Collegeville, PA in September 2013. Twenty or so of my paintings will be arranged carefully on the wall.
My watercolor paintings are life-size portraits of women throughout history. I paint myself as these historical women. I completed a series of seven paintings last year called, “The Seven Sisters." It includes seven women artists who I felt a connection to and about whom I wanted to tell more of their stories. When I first studied Art History in college, we were taught only a few women artists. I therefore, try to correct history and create women’s history, by giving them more of a story and voice. Here are just a few of my paintings....
 Artemesia:Blood for Blood, 2000
Italian Baroque artist, Artemisia Gentilleschi right after she was raped.
 Freeing the Frieda in Me, 2003
20th Century Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo celebrating the Day of the Dead.
 Maria Sibylla Merian: Metamorphosis, 2010
17th century German naturalist, Maria Sibylla Merian discovering and recording metamorphosis.
My current series, "Seven Sisters II," is based on nuns who were also artists. I am now finishing up the painting of Sister Plautilla Nelli who painted in Florence, Italy during the Italian Renaissance.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
My NOW is simmering and occasionally boiling over. When I’m in my studio and I have a clear week without commitments, the work simmers and all is happy and calm. Then there are weeks when I have evening commitments, show art work to get framed and delivered and gallery talks to prepare for. This and the added outside career things like school projects, tests to help my children prepare for and evening social obligations at my husband’s museum.....Not to mention other volunteer obligations. That’s when the pasta boils over and makes a huge mess!
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
You can never give up! There are moments when I have many opportunites overlapping, but I keep plowing forward because every event, leads to something else. That's why networking is so important!
Other important things to remember is to always surround yourself with supporters, avoid the naysayers and challenge yourself. Each time I had a baby, my pasta pot would go on the back burner for a short while. Then things would start to happen again. I did not compromise my subject matter in order to sell more easily because I understood that if I was pleased with the work, others would be too.
Most importantly, know your audience and who to market to. I found my niche--women's art. So, I reached out to the Institute for Women and Art at Rutgers and the two co-directors, Ferris Olin and Judy Brodsky, who are now friends and huge supporters of my work. They featured me in an Art W Salon evening in New York City back in May and are going to write about my work for my upcoming museum catalog. They've also given me a solo show at Rutgers University in 2014!
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a painter. As I got older, I fought it and skirted around the idea by studying Art History. My husband David, who is now the president of an art school and art museum, encouraged me in graduate school to change my course and follow my dream. I needed to make up undergraduate credits in studio art in order to get into an MFA program in painting, but then I was on my way! I use the Art History degree work constantly in researching and developing my work.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
My inspirations are pulled from many sources. I am crazy about the early Venetian Renaissance artist, Carlo Crivelli. Also, I often look at artists who worked in egg tempera like George Tooker and Thomas Hart Benton. Recently, I have been exploring Peter Blume’s work. I have been inspired by Cindy Sherman, Judy Chicago’s Dinner Party, and Kathe Kollwitz. Also, nature inspires me....especially butterflies, birds and flowers. Walking into a museum inspires me. I love symbolism and iconography! I am also attracted to good biographies on interesting women.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
It is very hard to juggle my career with my two children, Noble and Flora. I wear many hats…
• The Mom Hat, a medieval helmet with flowers growing out of it.
• The Artist Hat, made of Arches French 500 lb. paper, watercolor tubes and a clock.
• The Brownie Scout Leader Hat, made out of moss, bird’s nest with eggs and homemade brownies.
• The First Lady of the PA Academy of the Fine Arts Hat, think very proper hat......like a British Fascinator.
• The Various Volunteer Organizations Hats that fill up a hat tree!!!!
I try to always find time to paint a little each day, but sometimes the children's school events or volunteering prevents it. I then have to refocus and put more time into painting. I am practicing saying "no" to any more outside projects, unless it specifically relates to my career.
 I tend to work best when the children are not around….when they are at camp, out with a babysitter or at school. I need to devote my time and energy to them when they are home, and my art work when they are not. I think as they get older I will be able to work more when they are around and reading or doing independent work. We are attempting this change this summer!
 Building the city of Lionelville My children are very creative as well! My son Noble is an architectural buff! This summer, both Noble and Flora are making a paper city called, Lionelville. They use up a lot of tape and paper, but they are happy for a long time and work well together. Noble is teaching Flora all of his tricks! They are starting to cook their own noodles!
 Noble and Flora's Paper House What is your ultimate pasta dish?
My perfect pasta dish is spaghetti alla carbonara, but I would gladly invent a special type of ravioli filled with either nutella or marzipan! The spaghetti would be cooked al dente by my AFS exchange sister, Emanuela in Brescia, Italy. Then it will be perfetto!
 Sorella Plautilla Nelli's Lamentation, 2012
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." - Henry David Thoreau
 A friend of mine recently asked me this question, "How do you see yourself in your greatest potential.....what does it feel like.....what does it taste like?"
I envisioned myself in my home office, otherwise known as my creative space, writing, drawing, designing, creating and moving forward, while still being there for my family.
Then I took a pause. Wasn't I already doing this? I'm creating with a full heart every single day, I'm home with my kids as much as possible and I'm happily fulfilled. Yet, when my friend posed the question, I didn't immediately answer with, "I'm already at my greatest potential." Why???
I thought about this for a long time and realized that unfortunately, it all boils down to one thing. Money. Somehow, like so many of us, I have this evil voice in my head that belittles anything I do that doesn't pay the bills. The most poisonous words consist of "Why are you wasting your time doing this?" and the most loathsome, "Skip it. It's just a hobby anyway." But what I've come to understand, is that my evil voice, is actually trying to protect me. For instance, if this blog isn't a huge success, it won't matter because, "it's just a hobby." These words give me an out if I need it. That's why they're there. The problem is that this kind of mentality holds you back. You never quite reach your full potential or actually see yourself kicking major butt because you keep those poison words in your back pocket.
So when you throw those noodles this week, remember to throw them hard, even if there isn't a truck load of money attached to them. Be completely honest with yourself beyond your own evil voice and dollar signs. What do you want? How do you see yourself in your greatest potential? What does it feel like and taste like? When you figure it out, go after it with a full heart......because you owe it to yourself to be your greatest self. And if you are already there.....whether it be a business, a home project, or your own blog......take the time to really see yourself and bask in your own light even if it "doesn't pay the bills." Because being in your greatest potential, is worth more than what money can buy. It just takes YOU to see that.
"Mom! We're looking for rabbits!" My son says excitedly as he and his older cousins from Florida search for bunnies in Grandma's backyard. "Oh, really?" I ask. My son looks back at the older boys who have now spotted a perfectly good slide to jump off of.  For them, this conversation is over. Jumping from great heights has now trumped chasing rabbits. My son innocently turns to me and excitedly yells from across the yard....... "We're not talking about that anymore Mom!" He shrugs his shoulders and runs off to jump, to fly, to........give me a heart attack.
Whether it be chasing rabbits or diving from great heights, my son gives 100 percent. I can see it in his face, full of sweat and dirt.......full of heart and soul. He listens and he listens hard. He takes it in and holds it with passion, dedication and determination.
Just the other day, he was playing on the basketball court with my husband and saw a lollipop stick. He stopped his game and told my husband, "Dad this is garbage. We have to throw this out. It's not good for the earth."
He is an inspiration. He stops me in my tracks. He is my teacher.
Music has the power to get your body moving and your heart singing. But to play music, you don't NEED an instrument from the music store. All you need is a little creativity and a good song. Take On The Creative and make some music today with your kids!  GUITAR
Check out how to make a guitar from cardboard gift boxes HERE
BALLOON BONGO SHAKER GUIRO Learn how to make an all in one percussion instrument HERE
BOTTLE CAP TAMBOURINEShake it till you break it and make an awesome tambourine HERE
HOSE BUGLE Make a bugle out of a hose, HERE is how!
NOW GO TAKE ON THE CREATIVE AND PLAY THE MUSIC!!
The Stick Of The Week! is Mel Lim. Mel is in the NOW as co-founder of MLD/Mel Lim Design, a multi-platform innovation studio that is known for dimensional design thinking, that can transform the smallest idea into the largest deliverable. Aspiration sets the bar for excellence as MLD transforms a broad range of environments into design experiences that embody mindfulness, global thinking, and a passion for authentic beauty.  Mel Lim Mel Lim cares to design a better world. She knows that begins with the individual and a commitment to hold fast to one’s dreams, no matter the odds. This award-winning, Malaysian-born design leader began her career at age thirteen, when she drafted architectural plans using her sets of Rotring Rapidograph pens in her mother’s interior design shop in Penang. Her passion for design led her to receive her foundation design diploma from the London Institute’s Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design. Mel then made the courageous choice at age nineteen, to move far from home, country, family support, and all that was comfortable and familiar. She attended the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California where she graduated with highest distinction, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Design.
Listen to Mel Lim speak and you will feel her infectious enthusiasm for design excellence. An enthusiasm well-honed from more than fifteen years of international and domestic experience in project management, commercial spatial design, and brand/product development. She has worked with top architectural and design firms in the United States, and since establishing her own firm in 2003, has been consulting and designing for top Fortune 100 companies. Mel's work, which can be seen in London, Tokyo, Copenhagen, and all the way to the UAE, has been recognized by numerous prestigious accolades including Creativity Annual, PRINT, Graphic Design USA and American Institute of Architects (AIA) LA.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall)
I am the Principal/ Creative Director of a design and business innovation firm.
I help businesses create ideas, products, partnerships, and brand experiences.
My firm has powered start-ups in various industries from telecommunications, software,
and retail to Fortune 500 companies since 2003.
 Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
Always simmering! It's always being pulled and stretched into different forms. Some days I am a Chinese egg noodle, and some days I am an Italian Pasta! It's because I help clients innovate at all phases and stages of their business. Those touch points change constantly, hence I stay flexible and agile, staying within frameworks, but thinking outside the box.
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
I would say "JUST DO IT." We creatives are constantly seeking approval for our work. It's in our nature. My advice is your self worth is NOT based on what others think of you.
 What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I never wanted to own my own business. I am still the unwilling entrepreneur. I've watched my parents whom were both entrepreneurs, fail in their businesses, numerous times. But it must be DNA, as I inherited their tenacity. My late-father, inspired me tremendously. He went bankrupt three times, but it was his ability to quickly close the gap, and build bigger, better businesses afterwards, that made me realize that I am his daughter.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
My 14-month old son. He helps me prioritize and has made my personal and business goals clearer than ever!
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
I have the most amazing husband, creative partner and best friend.
He is the yin to my yang. And, I am so thankful that I have a team of dedicated staff.
They help me stay focused and balanced.
What technology issues have you run into with your NOW?
The core of my business revolves around technology.
Our mantra is, if we don't know, learn it or work with professionals that do.
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
We are working on expanding our dishes to Asia.
I'd like to reconnect with my previous NOW, which was architecture and interior design.
"Where words fail, music speaks." - Hans Christian Andersen
 I recently got an iphone and I have to say that it has really changed my life. You might think it's because I can check my email anywhere, get directions from a voice activated lady named Suri and check if I need to bring an umbrella to work, but honestly, those features don't compare. What really gets me cooking, is the fact that I can listen to music.
It's become my thing. I pick a favorite radio station from Pandora and stick the iphone in my back pocket. It's as if I'm in a movie and I have my very own soundtrack coming from my toosh. Life just feels a little sweeter with music backing me up. I wash the dishes with Cold Play, I clean up the high chair with Ben Folds Five and I take out the garbage with Norah Jones. Admittedly, the garbage never smelled so good. The only time it gets a little harry is when my husband enters the room with his own radio station playing from his behind. So annoying.
But last night, as I frantically tried to meet a voice over deadline, I listened to my iphone soothingly playing lullabies in the baby's room. I noticed that the melodies made me feel calmer and more focused. But why? Could it be the beautiful music taking my mind off what would normally be a stressful situation?
Inevitably, my noodles started stirring......
What if we could capture that same energy we feel when we listen to a good song, even when the iphone is turned off? What if we took a breath during a stressful situation, skipped to the garbage can or counted to ten when our children had a temper tantrum?
What I realized is that it all comes down to choice. We all get to choose our very own soundtrack every moment of every day. It accompanies us thru the good, the bad and the ugly and can make our days go a little smoother or a bit rougher.
So when you throw your noodles, remember to turn up your soundtrack and listen to your music. Maybe there's a better song to get you thru the highs and lows.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I have been painting the walls in my house because the crayon doodle finally got to me. I just could not stand it any longer. Well, I think I have gone off the deep end. These days, I can still be found painting something new when the kids go to bed. I'll admit, I think I have a problem. I can't stop. It's gotten completely out of hand.  Otis Pierre Schloss My son is now excitedly waking each morning to see what new canvas has been brushed with color. He skips down the stairs like it's the morning of Christmas or the first night of Chanukah. Either one. We celebrate Chrismukah so my kids are totally confused. And if that's not confusing enough, my son actually thinks our dog is the one painting our walls.
See, here's my little confession. I knew that my son would be devastated if he knew I was doing projects without him. Here's a kid who on his first day of pre-school asked the teacher, "We do crafts here right? Good! Bye Mom!" So when my son noticed that our dog Otis had a drop of paint on him, I didn't exactly correct him when he exclaimed, "Mommy! Otis painted in here!" I didn't tell him that Mommy is the crazy lady who paints at night while you're sleeping. I also didn't mention that Otis likes to sleep under the ladder, so paint inevitably gets on the poor guy. Instead, I smiled and didn't say anything. I know. I'm a bad mother. Go ahead. Judge me.
At first it was great! Otis was the star of the house and I could paint my little heart out without having to explain why my son could not be involved. I was actually feeling accomplished in my task of fighting the doodle! But then, it went too far. Not only was I getting sick of painting, my son actually started telling everyone about our dog who paints! First it was the cashiers at the grocery store, then the lady at the cleaners and most recently, his teacher! I was beginning to worry that we would never see Otis again. I feared that my son's story was so convincing, that Otis might have to start an actual side business. I'm just not sure if he can fit it in. He spends most days busily napping. I was also mildly concerned that these folks might think my kid lost his noodle.
One afternoon, I knew I was in trouble when my son came home from school and saw the new area rug in the living room. He immediately thanked Otis and asked him, "How did you carry it from the store?" Otis looked blankly at him and waited for a treat. Ok, that was that! I had to put an end to this. Now my dog was shopping for us too? So, I told the truth, "Otis didn't go to the store and get the rug. I did." My son looked at me and giggled, "Mommy, you don't have the muscles for that." With that, my son sat down next to his four legged friend and looked at him with pride. And as I watched the two snuggle, I could see that my son felt like the luckiest kid on earth to have Otis the wonder dog.
A dog who paints houses and likes shopping for rugs. What's better than that.
There's something you don't know about me. I'm an angel.....a Blog Angel that is. I've secretly been a Blog Angel since June 1st. This means that I've been helping and encouraging another fellow blogger without them knowing. Honestly, I have to say that it was very difficult for me at first. Not only was it hard to keep it a secret, I also feared I wasn't doing enough. At first, I thought my mystery blogger and I didn't have a lot in common, so sometimes, I felt like I didn't know how to give without being able to relate or connect.
 My Wings And as the start of June quickly rolled into mid June, I found myself freaking out. I desperately tried to think outside the box. How can I help this person beyond the comments and follows? How can I reach out without giving myself away? What can I do to move them forward?
What I realized was that giving is hard.....especially when you have to do it secretly and without any expectations.
But as I went on my blogger's site every few days, I learned more and more about this person.... Their likes, dislikes, passions, hates and wants. And one day, it hit me. Giving isn't always something tangible that you create and press send. It can also be the act of holding space or sharing your time with that person. Above all, giving is allowing that person to be seen without anything in return.
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