Author: Angela Taylor Hylland

I ventured into the world of book (and blog) writing to fulfill a promise to my beloved mother-in-law. Sue's bright light was extinguished on December 2, 2010, after a valiant 13-year battle with breast cancer... just five month's after her first grandchild (my daughter) was born. Now as a mother, entrepreneur, friend, sister, daughter, wife, and torch-bearer of a legacy, I paddle my boat, one wave at a time, toward that promise to her—and now to myself. In death as in life, Sue continues to motivate and inspire me. Follow me, and I'll do my best to pass the inspiration along. To life!

Deck the Halls With Retribution, Falalala Lala La La

November 30, 2012

Regardless of your spiritual preference, I’m guessing most of us can agree this time of year (at its essence) celebrates the good qualities of humanity— camaraderie, giving, appreciation, and hope. I’m also guessing we could agree it’s typically not adorned with murder and revenge. So imagine my surprise when my Rudolph special was interrupted with a commercial for this: “What’s … More Deck the Halls With Retribution, Falalala Lala La La

Mammogram, Take 3

November 27, 2012

Well, I’m headed off for another follow-up mammogram this morning. The timing would be almost laughable, if it weren’t so emotionally straining. “Uncomfortable,” I’ve heard mammograms called. Physically: no. Emotionally: certainly. If you have one coming up or are putting it off due to fear (emotional or physical), please read what I learned from my … More Mammogram, Take 3

Holiday Gift Ideas

November 26, 2012

There’s no getting around it. The holidays are in full effect, and that means it’s gift time. Most people dread it, but you really don’t have to. What if, instead of throwing money at the problem this year, we put our hearts into it? Included below are a slew of ideas to get your brain … More Holiday Gift Ideas

Giving Thanks

November 21, 2012

Our lives, in both good and bad times, are very much a product of the influential people who surround us. Today I’m acknowledging 10 such people in my life. (You might even be surprised by the last one.) I encourage you to do so, too, whether it’s by phone, handwritten letter, e-mail, or even a simple … More Giving Thanks

Hostess Gift Ideas

November 19, 2012

If there were a spokeswomen for hostess gifts, I’d be a contender. Anyone who’s ever hosted anything knows that, after putting so much thought and work into doing something for others, it’s heartwarming to have a little gesture of acknowledgment in return. Whether you use one of these ideas or (even better) come up with … More Hostess Gift Ideas

The Making of a Mural

November 16, 2012

I found this video about the process of making of a mural absolutely fascinating (see below). I never cease to be amazed at the lengths people will go to for the sake of projecting beauty and creativity from the inside out.

Thanksgiving Crafts

November 12, 2012

Entertain guests and show your appreciation with these “thankful” Thanksgiving crafts. Best of all, they’re so easy, even your little pilgrims can help. 1. Grateful Napkin Rings Cut strips of paper, decorate, and write things you’re thankful for. Then simply glue, staple, or tape the ends together to create a napkin ring. This can make … More Thanksgiving Crafts

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

November 9, 2012

One evening last week, Szaba, Pavlov, and I were headed out for our evening walk. The sun had broken through the clouds and a fall drizzle hung in the air. I told her, “Keep an eye out for rainbows. They venture out in this kind of weather.”