Author Archives: Kim Abundant Life Tarot

Battle of the Styles: Bohemian versus Whimsical Living Rooms

Posted in Home, Inspiration by

It is *finally* raining in Northern California, I’m house bound, so it’s time for a little décor roundup. This week’s battle of styles is a rematch between bohemian and whimsical, only this time we take a peek at various living rooms. What’s your favorite?

Bohemian:

Modern day Boho Chic. I’m a huge fan of extra seating in the form of floor pillows. A tell tale sign of Bohemian is lots of different patterned pillows. White walls allow the accessories to pop. Image courtesy of http://www.pinterest.com/pin/447686019178966335/.

Image courtesy of 25.media.tumblr.com and Pinterest.com

Image courtesy of http://keltainentalorannalla.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Bohemian%20chic#en and Pinterest.com

My bohemian couch with my little bohemian daughter.

Love a turquoise wall…bohemian spread over the couch with a collection of photos in different frames, exquisite and wild. Image courtesy of http://www.lisasherryinterieurs.com/.

Whimsical:

Whimsy color scheme – love the quote wall and the quilt over the white couch. Image courtesy of Copyright © Little Miss Momma, from http://www.littlemissmomma.com.

The playful dog pillows compliment the dark slate gray walls…love the playful elements in concert with the sophisticated furniture pieces. Image courtesy of Village at http://www.pinterest.com/pin/236720524136222668/.

My idea of whimsical…different patterns…the touches of whimsy are throughout this room, right down to the curly lamp. Image courtesy of interiormagz.com, also on http://www.pinterest.com/pin/264445809339842749/.

Love the picture of the word “Love.” The pops of color against the pale blue is classic whimsy. Gorgeous image from http://brittanickel.tumblr.com/post/35747878336.

The accessories make the whimsy statement – a squirrel porcelain statue, some pops of turquoise and a repurposed end table – golden! Image courtesy of http://thehappyhousie.com/?p=4607.

~Curator of all things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Bohemian Accessories for You, Me and Our Abodes

Posted in Fashion, Home, Inspiration, Style by

I am bohemian in my clothing, lifestyle, home, and spirit…I love to scope out standout, eclectic pieces. Check out the home and style accessories all curated from www.etsy.com.

For You and Me:

Namaste Tree of Life Wrap Silk Bracelet Bohemian Yoga Bracelet Hamsa Hand Of Fatima Om Spiritual Bracelet Yoga Zen Jewelry. Image courtesy of http://www.etsy.com/listing/127223850/.

Turquoise antiqued tribal chandelier earrings is the only accessory you’ll need for a bohemian ensemble. Long Bohemian earrings mint patina filigree dangle earrings boho earrings Bohemian jewelry. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/111366504/.

Tangerine Orange Mosaic Earrings -Vintage Tangerine Orange and White Mosaic Bohemian Antique Brass Earring Drop Dangles. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/93847293/.

A beautifully simple necklace is a statement piece with a colorful boho dress. Gold Boho Necklace, Moonstone Bohemian Necklace, Moonstone Necklace, Moonstone Pendant. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/129730958/.

Practical boho bag with an eclectic twist. Hobo Bag, Burlap, Batik, Sling Bag, Green, Geometric, Boho, Hippie Purse, Crossbody Bag. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177466530/.

A dream catcher on your hand? Divine! Peace Catcher Bohemian Dreamcatcher Slave Bracelet Hippie Tribal Copper Native American Inspired. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/102526846/.

A tribal infinity scarf takes a simple white tee and jeans to the next boho level. Tribal Infinity Scarf Black and Tan Bohemian Circle Loop Scarf 9″ x 60″ L – Ethnic Tribal-Black. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177962953/.

I’d take this bag over a designer bag any day of the week…sorry, I’m over the mass produced Coach and Michael Kors purses…NAVAJO. Fringe leather bag / bohemian bag / boho leather bag / leather boho bag / tote bag / gypsy. Available in different leather colors. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/98895315/.

Lovely sandals to wear with a paisley print maxi dress or some distressed jeans and a white tee. Reserved for Margarita. SALE. Sz US 11.5. APHRODITE. Leather wedges / leather high heels / sandals / thong sandals. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177850977/.

For our homes:

Moroccan pillows are a nice, inexpensive bohemian accent. Moroccan Style Classic Relaxed Coastal Bohemian Toss Scatter Cushion Blue. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/177975727/.

My grandmother would have loved this and I love it for the both of us – gorgeous chandelier. She had seventies jewel beads hanging between her kitchen and formal living room. Jeweled Bohemian Princess Petite Crystal Chandelier. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/161704735/.

I am in love with The Tree of Life tapestries – they are an instant bohemian touch, especially for the apartment dwellers. Tree Of Life Wall Art, Indian Tapestry, Bohemian Tapestry, Hippie Wall Hanging, Picnic Blanket, Indian Bed Cover Or Bedspread. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/157376970/.

Whimsical and bohemian artwork is summertime all year round. Birds Flowers Bohemian Art PRINT Decorative 13 X19 by Karen Fields. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/.

Not only is the end table cute, the owl on top is adorable and whimsical. Bohemian Chalk Painted End Table. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/174676629/.

A collection of pillows is the staple for a bohemian look. Set of 4 Nordic Bohemian Indie Pillow Covers Scandanavian Throw Pillows Cushion Covers Linen Cotton Covers Tribal Home Decor Morrocan Décor. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/172616147/.

I’m addicted to poufs. I use it at as foot stool, extra seating, or coupled with a wooden tray as an end table. Classic boho chic. Bohemian Patchwork Pouf Ottoman in purple, Vintage Indian Pouf, pouffe pouffes, Foot Stool, Round Pouf Ottoman, Bean Bag, Floor Pillow Poof. Image courtesy of https://www.etsy.com/listing/173525644/.

~Your Curator of all things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Decency versus Artistic Expression

Posted in Inspiration, Love, Relationships, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono, published on 14 January 2010 Stock Image - image ID: 10011501, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono, published on 14 January 2010
Stock Image – image ID: 10011501, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

People had lots to say about Beyoncé’s performance, going as far as she’s nobody’s role model and the Grammy’s show was inappropriate. My mother, had an opinion along the same vein.

“She needs to put some clothes on. It’s getting old, she’s getting old,” my mother said, after watching a YouTube video of the mega star’s Grammy performance. I asked her to expound.

“She has a daughter now. Now, my girl Emeli Sande, she’s always dressed and it’s her voice that stands out.” I made my mother watch the entire Grammy performance, certain that once she saw Beyoncé’s dance routine, surely she’d feel differently – I mean the girl was straddling a chair for God’s sake! How on earth would she be able to do that with a long gown? My mother shot me a disapproving look and shook her head, “no.” In mom’s opinion, time’s up for Beyoncé’s body suits.

Clearly, we feel differently, and at first, I was quick to write it off as yet another difference of opinion between the Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. But, something still nagged me about people’s reaction to Beyoncé’s performance.

I suppose she could have sung and straddled the chair in some biker shorts and still be sexy. But, why was it even an issue? Is America that moralistic that they could not stand to see a woman’s butt cheeks bumping on her husband’s frontal area? And, whatever happened to artistic expression and freedom? Is decency more important than an artist expressing themselves (even in a sexually charged song and dance)? 

Beyoncé is free to write, sing and perform whatever she wants to. If she wants to make a personal album detailing explicit moments between her and her husband, that’s most definitely okay. I want to hear it. Artists are not meant to fit a mold for the sake of being a role model. It’s the parents’ job to filter what their children should be listening and watching. It’s not Beyoncé’s or any other celebrity’s job to water down their artistic expression to spare someone.

I’m sure people will argue that little girls look up to her and she should save these type of performances for the bedroom. I disagree. She’s a role model not just to girls, but to women who fantasize about dancing for their man, and the world appreciating her body and her voice. She’s an excellent business woman and I’m sure a wonderful mother and wife. I appreciate her making art for herself. I think all artists have an obligation to create art just for their own appreciation.

Her performance was racy and beautiful. A woman singing for herself and to her husband, what an amazing thing. But, to appease my inherited moral compass, I tell mom, “yeah, she could put on a little more on the bottom.”

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

My Spring 2014 Accessories

Posted in Fashion, Style by

New boots, paisley print jeans

Today’s Super Bowl Sunday, and I don’t know too much about football or even who’s playing!  But, I know what accessories to wear for this coming spring. Check out what I’m wearing this Winter/Spring 2014:

My favorite accessories…stacks of studded wrap bracelets and my wedding bands.

Boots off, breaking in period over for today…

Another look at my booties…

Me and my gold hooped earrings…

~Your Curator of all things Stylish, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Resistance Reminds Us

Posted in Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of moggara12, published on 15 January 2014 Stock Photo - image ID: 100227273, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of moggara12, published on 15 January 2014
Stock Photo – image ID: 100227273, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

See the rocky path in the picture? You see a tree in your path you’ll have to overcome. The path is ascending, getting steeper and the stones are tricky to walk on. You can see the tree’s roots jut through the stone, and the tree itself is large and all consuming this section of the path. You may choose to step over the roots, or even go around the tree. Your journey may be a little longer because of the reroute, but it is never something to regret. What matters most, is you mentally and physically on the other side of that tree, steadily moving upward and onward.

Resistance is a reminder that we are not in alignment within and outside of ourselves (more on what “alignment” feels and looks like in a future blog). Resistance can either be an ever present sense of anxiety and worry, or it can be those things and much more. Resistance is also a natural part of life – a gift to remind us if we want relief from a given situation, all we have to do is readjust and move towards a different path to alignment.

What areas in your life has a lot of resistance? Is it in relationships, family ties, career, health, or money? If you have any sort of angst when you think of an area in your life, chances are there is a growing knot of resistance there, trying to steer you to an easier path.

An example of resistance: someone trying to purchase a home and they keep running into roadblocks, such as financing falling through, the inspection finding a significant issue with the house’s foundation, a storm sweeps in rain that floods the first floor. Every obstacle is there, yet the ego mind keeps telling you to push through. What will your family and friends think if the deal falls through?

What is on the other side of resistance for the person who can’t will themselves into that home they fixated on? Perhaps a bigger, more beautiful house? How about a house with a small mortgage? Or one in a better neighborhood than the one you’ve set your sights on?

God Spirit knows your heart, what you can handle and what’s best for you – and knows the intention you sent out to the Universe to be fulfilled. God has the ability to see a better, higher way for you than what your tunnel vision has focused on. God gives you the gift of resistance, so you can have intuition whispering when it’s time to move on.

It’s important to recognize whether your ego is speaking to you, or your inner God advising you. Your inner voice will guide you to take pause, look and feel where you’re at and redirect your energy and focus. Ego will tell you to continue pushing no matter what, while the inner guide in you will say, “hey, let’s take a look at this – why so much resistance in this area?”

Resistance is the Universe’s way of expressing to stop bumping your toes on the same rocky step. We all can be hell bent on going in that one and only direction. Resistance is a push to awaken you to other options, to bigger and better alignment with that which you want.  

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Eliminating Limiting Beliefs in 4 steps

Posted in Affirmations, Inspiration, Law of Attraction, Manifestation, New Thought by
Image courtesy of By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013 - image ID: 100221813, from By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013 Stock Image - image ID: 100221813, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013 – image ID: 100221813, from By Prakairoj, published on 05 December 2013
Stock Image – image ID: 100221813, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Last week, I discussed positive affirmations and reasons why they may or may not work. One of the obstacles to successful manifestation is a person holding a “limiting belief.” Limiting beliefs are thoughts we hold, whether on the conscious or sub-conscious level that limits or diminishes our experiences.

Affirmations are an awesome way to focus your mind on what it is you want to manifest, but a limiting belief will block your blessing.

Our thoughts and beliefs have power. Thoughts shape our feelings, which then colors our responses with shades of our inner beliefs, moment to moment. If we are proclaiming in one breath, “I am wealthy,” but thinking the limiting belief “I never make enough money” or “others are luckier in money matters than myself,” then we will never manifest a state of wealth, all because of the limiting belief. You have to eradicate the limiting belief in order for the positive thought to take hold and manifest.

  1. The first step to eradicating the limiting belief is quickly assessing your thoughts. Are you feeling a certain pang of guilt for whatever reason from a thought? Do you find yourself justifying why you’re in a negative situation? Do you blame others or situations as to why you’re in a less desirable experience? On the other hand, do you find yourself beating yourself up (“I should be further along in xyz by now”)? Do you find yourself agreeing with the status quo (“Only xyz people get high paying jobs.”)? Chances are, you are holding limiting beliefs in your thoughts. It will keep you in a stuck position – between what you don’t want and what you do want. Unless you have your thoughts in check, your negative beliefs will rule instead of your positive ones.
  2. When looking at an area of your life, write down all aspects of it – the good and the not so good. Give it the 360 degree view treatment, by looking at all its angles. A 360 degree view of your situation will reveal more than just the negative, lopsided lenses we seem to love to view our lives through.  
  3. Relax and forgive yourself by realizing you are creating these moments, and they are here to teach and guide you towards what it is you do want. Just as you created a moment of frustration, you can create a moment of reflection and positive re-direction to a new, better thought.
  4. Don’t dwell too much on the limiting belief because it’s not necessary. All that is important is realizing one has popped up and begin replacing it with a new thought. Dwell in the solutions, rather than the limiting beliefs or the problems.

Take Aways:

  • It is always about getting your mind and spirit into alignment with what you want.
  • A limiting belief can be counted on to guide you to what it is you really do want.
  • A limiting belief will cancel out a positive, new belief you’ve introduced to your mind.
  • With practice, eradicating limiting beliefs will become easier, as well as calling on new, better thoughts to replace the old ones.
  • Get comfortable with your inner thoughts, but don’t dwell in  diminishing and negative beliefs. Instead, look at everything in your life from a 360 degree view.

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

Carving out time for Love

Posted in Dating, Love, Relationships by
Image courtesy of CNaene, published on 23 December 2013 Stock Photo - image ID: 100224326, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of CNaene, published on 23 December 2013
Stock Photo – image ID: 100224326, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

I was on writer’s hiatus this weekend, for a lover’s rendezvous with my husband. We drove forty minutes outside of town, to the California foothills, checked into a hotel, and hung out in the onsite restaurant. We ate, joked, laughed, flirted, and channeled our youth. We had every intention of exploring Gold Country, but never left the hotel – there was no need. We had each other and that was more than enough. We elected to skip the fancy dinner for a late night (1 AM!) run to In and Out Burger.

We discussed what we wanted from each other. He wanted me to be more “housewife” without the “house.” I later understood he wanted me to show more praise and appreciation for what he does for the family. I wanted more affection and more time to write. He offered to take the kids so I can write uninterrupted and he ran his fingers through my wild, natural hair (versus the very straight strands I normally wear). I surprised us both by embracing the untamed mane, standing a little taller.

I had a school assignment due for my California Literature college course where I had to post thoughts on a brief history of the Golden State. I wrote and he edited and picked the classmates I’d write a response to. We remembered we still carry super liberal ideals and we are still in love with each other. I’m sure we knew this before the trip, but our level of appreciation for each other and the union we’ve created deepened.

We had a moment to remember why and how we fell in love. We’ve known each other for twenty-two years, been together for seven, and married for almost two. Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life, putting our love affair on the back burner.

Our families rallied around us by being understanding of missing my niece’s birthday party, taking care of the kids and giving us a worry-free night away. I suppose love and all the messiness that comes with it, is a worthy life investment.

Now, we’re rejuvenated, deeper in love, and our ties are more connected than before we left for the trip.

Take Aways:

  • Make time for love
  • Cherish the small and large moments of life by celebrating with a loved one
  • Partnership in love can be achieved and sustained by carving out time and energy to support it

~Your Curator of all things Love, Kimberly Jo Cooley

The Inspiration: Elle Decor’s Animal Print Rug

Posted in Home, Uncategorized by

The dream rug inspiration:

Image courtesy of “A Manhattan Living Room” by Olivia Rassow, from the website http://www.elledecor.com/most-popular-elle-decor-rooms-pinterest/manhattan-living-room?src=spr_FBPAGE&spr_id=1452_40223365. 2014 Hearst Communications, Incorporated.

The Realistic Budget:

Check out www.o.co, www.zulily.com, and www.domesticmodern.com  for beautiful, expansive and inexpensive animal print rugs. I’ve purchased two rugs from o.co two years ago for under $300.00, and they still feel and look good.

Image Courtesy of http://www.zulily.com/p/green-taupe-animal-print-rug-68310-6785221.html?tid=social_pin_iphone_shareviaicon_na_modal_92ae858480368af04948080e0633351d&pid=6785221&alt=alt&title=Green+&+Taupe+Animal+Print+Rug&is_video=false&ns=ns_201538234|1390096329299. Available in various sizes ranging from $119 – $399

Image courtesy of http://www.domesticmodern.com/lightblueanimalprintrug.aspx. Various sizes and prices from $109 – $429

Image courtesy of o.co nuLOOM Hand-tufted Animal Shape Zebra Wool Rug (5′ x 8′) $208

Image courtesy of o.co, Rawhide Beige Rug (6’2 x 8′), $180

Image courtesy of o.co Rawhide Brown Animal-print Rug (6’2 x 8′), $176

Image courtesy of o.co, Hand-hooked Bliss Indoor/Outdoor Animal Print Rug (8′ Round), $191

Image courtesy of o.co, Skin Animal Printed UV Stabilized Outdoor Rug (5′ x 7’6), $187

Image courtesy of o.co, Hand-tufted Pale Blue Leopard Whimsy Animal Print Wool Rug (8′ x 11′), $387

~Your Curator of all things Beautiful, Kimberly Jo Cooley

6 Reasons why Affirmations don’t Work

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, New Year's Resolutions, Spirituality by
Image courtesy of phanlop88, published on 25 November 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of phanlop88, published on 25 November 2013, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Affirmations are a great spiritual and mental modality that help center your intentions and speak to Higher Source on what you have and what you are bringing into your physical reality. It is a bridge from the sub-conscious to the conscious. When your affirmations are in alignment with what you want – which is to feel great in all areas of your life – they help to shape your thoughts  and shift the “now you” into the “new you.” Here’s a list of ways to sabotage the effectiveness of affirmations and three quick tips to overcome these roadblocks.

6 Reasons why affirmations don’t work:

  1. Setting unrealistic or highly ambitious affirmations.
  2. Limiting beliefs that need to be rooted out so new belief systems can planted. An example of a limiting belief is “you have to work hard in order to deserve more money.”
  3. Listening to others on why affirmations don’t work. Many people will say they do not work, but it could be the naysayers were too ambitious, or perhaps they rarely said or believed them, resulting in failed results.
  4. Failure to say them on a regular basis.
  5. Failure to adjust your affirmations as your life changes (for the better!).
  6. Failing to believe what it is you are affirming.

2 Tips to Ensure Success with your Affirmations:

  1. Have your affirmations represent being in that which you are affirming. Use words, such as “I AM” “I HAVE” and if necessary, “I WILL.” This is not a hard and fast rule, as there are some that do not start with those beginnings, such as my favorite affirmation, “I BEGIN and END my jobs on my own terms.”
  2. Give yourself room to grow in your affirmations.” For example, saying “I am a millionaire” will likely not resonate with you as much as “I am EVOLVING into a millionaire” or “I am evolving into a CEO of a successful company”. The subtle difference is the word “evolving.” It denotes you are moving toward millionaire status, but acknowledges you’re not there yet. The other example is “I work out everyday.” That sets a person who is just starting a workout regimen up for failure. Instead, say “I am healthy, fit and find ways to incorporate health and wellbeing in my day.” No matter what, believe your affirmation as fact, even if you may not be experiencing it yet.
  3. Be patient. It is important to  be patient with yourself as you play with the affirmations modality. If you don’t see results right away, that’s okay. Oftentimes, we are unable to see what has already started manifesting in our life, hidden amongst all the things we do and don’t desire. Allow the blessings to come in their own time and trust they will.  

~Your Curator of All things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley

5 Reasons Why Positive Affirmations WORK!

Posted in Affirmations, Goals, Inspiration, Inspirational Quotes, Spirituality, Uncategorized by
Image courtesy of Janaka Dharmasena, published on 04 January 2012, fromhttp://www.freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of Janaka Dharmasena, published on 04 January 2012, from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net

We know negative affirmations work, because we can look around at all the pain and suffering amongst us and see them at work. What about positive affirmations? Here are five reasons positive affirmations work:

  1. When affirmations are created by the person saying them, they have more power and resonate more within that person. Come up with personal “I AM” affirmations you can use everyday.
  2. When believed and said on a regular basis, positive affirmations can change your whole outlook on a situation, therefore raising your vibration to a place of receiving that which you are positively affirming.
  3. Positive affirmations over time will curb and replace negative limiting beliefs.
  4. Positive affirmations are a quick way to center your thoughts during non-stressful times, such as during guided meditation, and stressful times, like when your boss sends you an email with a subject line, “we need to talk, meet me in my office.”
  5. Positive affirmations said in the morning will help steer your day towards what you’re affirming.

The Universe is ready and waiting to answer your affirmations with a resounding YES. What positive affirmation do you use to get you in a high vibrational frequency?

~Your Curator of all things Inspirational, Kimberly Jo Cooley