Decorating My Office

Hi everyone,

Sorry I've been MIA for a while. I just submitted my last big school project for the semester and couldn't wait to share with you guys what I've been up to while procrastinating.

I am a little late to the party but I decided to try my hand at the reversed canvas using HTV. I fell in love with the image I used as soon as I saw it on one of my Facebook groups. In fact I've already used it on a tote bag. (This is not my image, I am using it for personal use only).

See our process video and final project below.

Supplies Used:
1.  Cricut Explore Air
2.Easy Press
3. Canvas
4.Light Pad
5. Random HTV from my stash

Happenings and Life Update

I don't think when I decided to go back to college, that I really thought it through in terms of just how much it would take over my life. On a good note, I am digging deep and getting it done. On a not so good note I'm missing out on the things in life I enjoy on  a daily bases.

 I missed posting here last week as well as on my YouTube channel as the time I would normal do this my nose was buried in a book for school. That and well Tuesday night much to my happiness Randall proposed. So I am about to become the happiest woman in the world.

 Wedding planning, well all that's already done. But we'll get to that in next weeks post.

 I am hoping this week with the help of my bullet journal to get back on track and manage to sneak in the things I enjoy as well as my school work.  

Before The Pen

St Patrick's Day Decor -- DIY

It totally counts as cheap if you had most of the supplies on hand already, right?

Total out of pocket for today's craft $6.03. However I did borrow a Skill Saw, and I did use my Cricut, both of which if I had to buy today would have been out of the question for this project.

Below is my project for today. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below or on the video. If you like the video and would like to see more, don't forget to subscribe so you'll be the first to know when new videos go up.


DIY St Patrick's Day

YouTube, Un-boxing, and More

So about that youTube channel, I'm still learning but having a blast in the process. (Feel free to add any tips or tricks to using an iPhone and iMovies to produce edit them, please don't hesitate to let me know.

 For today's video I did an un-boxing video of this months Boho Berry Box. It came out a little earlier this month which I am so excited about, getting it two days before the new month started was pushing it for me in terms of getting the next  month set up in my bullet journal. Looking forward to setting up March and seeing how I can use this months box to get my life a little more organized. 

For this video Randall, did the taping so I could do all the rest. I definitely have to get better lighting here in the Cove. Let me know what you think. 

Boho Berry Box (Feb 2018) Unboxing

Coming this weekend I’ll have part 2 of the floating tea cup floral video. Shara has issued the next challenge St. Patrick’s Day decor for under $10 so stay tuned for that as well.

Idle Chatter

Hi everyone,

If you've been around a while you know I was all set to make some changes and refine several areas of my life as we began 2018. I'll saddened to say I've only managed to stay on track with maybe two of those goals.

I did enroll in college and will be starting in March. YAY! I had also toyed around with the idea of starting a youTube channel. I did do that. And let me tell you it is a learning experience. Still working on getting a tripod for my iPhone and learning how to edit videos but over all I'm having fun with it and that is what I set out to do.

Now on to the areas I have not been so successful in:

C25K --- that's a nope once I got of track I never seemed to get back on. Which is something I definitely plan on concentrating on this coming month. No excuses, either I want it or I don't.

Relational --- that ones kind of a hit or miss, at what point is a friendship to far gone to try and save?

Spiritually -- we have fallen behind on our daily devotionals, and have yet to attend church.

Financially -- I'd like to say I'm on track but in reality it was a rough month weather wise and well living in an old house sometimes results in higher bills. So its a one step forward two steps back dance at the moment but we will get there.

I still use my bullet journal to plan out my schedule as far as our life goes. Still trying to incorporate it into my daily life so I'll be more productive.

Where are you guys at on your goals for 2018? Any tips for getting back on track with my goals?

Floral Decor Challenge

As you all know my original plan for this project was a no go. So we decided instead to go with a floating tea cup. Due to an illness I did not get it completed in time for the February 19th, cut off but here is my video showcasing the project so far.

If you like my video please give it a thumbs up and subscribe so you'll be the first to know when new videos go up.

And check out At Home With Shara C to see her floral decor process video.

DIY - Mason Jar Tissue Holder

Hi everyone,

Sorry it has been a while since I've posted. Between work and just an overall sense of exhaustion I’ve been struggling. Today I am battling day 3 of a horrible migraine but I am determined to get this posted.

Over the course of the last week I did sneak in a little time each evening to get a little crafting done. The tissue holders above are quite easy to make but due to the nature of the beast (painting that is) it can be a timely endeavor, when it comes to allowing the paint and sealer to dry.

Originally my plan was to do a tissue jar with plaster of Paris flowers. You see my sister challenged me to join her in a YouTube challenge she found. Sounds quite simple really, do a floral home decor project, record your process and post. Well I had to be all extra and attempt the plaster of Paris flowers because I wanted it to look just so. 
 

As you can see above they are quite pretty, but they were a Pinterest fail for me. It could have been because I used chalk paint to color the plaster or maybe I didn't let them cure long enough. Either way ir was a flop this time. But I will be trying it again.

Now on to the  tissue jars themselves. Who doesn't love a mason jar? Even Skull got in on the action on this one. The red one above his handy work.  All you need are few simple items.  

1. Mason Jar - quart size - i got mine from Michaels, Skull, got his from the pantry
2. Alochol swab
3. Chalk paint - We used the ——- brand from Michaels
4. Foam brush
5. Tissues — We used Kleenex perfect fit (bit pricey but as the name says its a perfect fit) 
6. Cardstock — “for the lid”
7. Pencil
8. Sisscors
9. Mod Podge Spray Sealer (optional)
10. Vinyl (optional) - to use as a decal (like we did) or as a stencil for your design
11. Patience 

The first thing we did was wipe our jars down with an alochol swab, made sure the jar was dry, then it was time for the first coat. This is where patience comes in. Let that dry and repeat two more times. 

While waiting for the paint to dry grab your pencil and trace your lid, using scissors cut it out and cut an “x” in the middle.

 Running low on patience like I do? Grab your hair dryer you can shorten drying time using one. A quick trip outside to spray with sealer and more drying time.

After all that is done decorate as desired. We used my Cricut and vinyl decals, ribbon, and a few flowers on mine. Once decorated it is time to assemble. Grab your Kleenex fill the jar, feed one through the card stock lid, put your ring on and viola you are done.

 There are quite a few videos tutorials on YouTube for these jars, even one on how to fill them using any brand of tissues. I'll link my favorites below.

1. Tashas Creative Side -- jar tutorial
2. For Sophie Designs -- refill tutorial

 Not interested in diy but would love one for your home check out AmysAdoreablesNC and pick one up today.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with other links listed on this page. These are just personal favorites of mine.

January Review

January was an incredbily rough month for me. I just could not seem to get it together. Out of the 5 areas I had chosen to focus on I was only sucessful in two of them. Now with that being said Rome was not built in  a day.

 This month I have shifted my focus in ways that will hopefully make me more sucessful in reaching my goals.  Its a little less ridgid  and I feel more likely to help me get where I would like to  be long term.  

  How was your January? Any big goals for  February?     

First EVER YouTube Video is Up

Nothing the least bit intimidating about setting up a YouTube channel right? I used my iPad and imovies to create my fist YouTube video showcasing my February bullet journal set up flip through. Hopefully over time I will become more comfortable with doing voice overs and learn more about setting up my video so it flows smoothly. 

Check it out here.

February 2018 Bullet Journal Set Up

I started out very simple with a monthly overview, followed by monthly focus page and weekly tasks, (inspired by Lisa Jacob's Your Best Year), on to money matters, and then last but not least my set up for #incowrimo. 

I used several stamped images to decorate my journal this time. If interested I can list the names/links. Just let me know.

Happy Crafting.

Bullet Journal Tidbits

 One of the ways that helps me relax is taking the time every weekend to set up my bullet journal for the following week. Though I don’t have that many things that I need to schedule it’s nice for me to be able to go to one place and know exactly what I need to do this week and what is coming up for the following week.

On my weekly spreads I include one small self care tracker each week.  I have tried using the more traditional monthly trackers to keep track of these kind of things however I have found that I tend to forget them.  What I track each week is determined by what I feel I need to work on at the moment.

 My weekly spread is condensed as I use daily spreads  to journal and reflection on our devotionals. If I need more room for that day I simply add it to my dailies.  


One of my favorite spreads that I use every month is my gratitude journal. I try every day to write one small thing that I am grateful for. Some days it’s as simple as having Tylenol for headache and other days its things like knowing my friends and family are always there.  Some months this page is full of doodles and symbols other months it’s a quick list.

 Im not much of an artist when it comes to doodling or drawing but I do love a splash of color. itry to stick to 2/3 colors for the month and see where or takes me. I'm thinking about trying my hand at a themed February next month. Using my lightpad and tracing the images. Did a little practicing today; im not sold on it yet. Let me know what you think in the comments below.

Valentines Day Pt 1

Our Decor    

Valentine’s Day is a big deal in our house. We started dating on Valentine's Day in 2016. Last year we celebrated with a bonfire and wine. This year we’ve been in our home long enough to actually have time to decorate.

I must admit I had not thought that much about what to put above the mantel for Valentine’s Day; I just took down my Christmas decorations a week or so ago. Then Facebook happened. Right there on my newsfeed there was video by Better Life Blog, showing a version of the Loads of Love sign pictured above along with instructions on how to make it.

 We’ve (Skull and I) done lots of signs but never with this method. We had to try it. Okay I had to try it. Quick trip to Michaels for some chalk paint and a wooden plaque. Armed with my new goodies and the cricut waiting at home I quickly ordered  the svg from Better Life Blog’s Etsy shop and we set to work.

Loads of Love Svg by Better Life Blog

 Things sort of snowballed from there. We made another one (pictured above) for my sister. Using the exact svg from the shop. The one for our home we tweaked the pattern slightly.

 While in Michaels picking up the plaque to make my sister we found the wooden hearts. We picked up two and used two more svgs from the bundle to round off our mantel.

Below is the link to the Esty Shop

Better Life Blog Etsy Shop

January Personal Day

 

Brunch from Gwendy’s Goodies

      When I scheduled today as my personal day, I had no idea how very badly I would need it. It’s been a rough week both mentally and emotionally. I used this morning as a time to review my  January  goals and judge my progress. Some goals I’m way ahead of where I thought I’d be and others have sort have slipped to the back burner.

 After some early morning reflection, I joined the real world long enough to go grocery shopping and grab brunch with Randall, then back home for a nap and an easy night in.

 I’m excited to say that I will be going back to college to finish my  bachelors degree beginning Spring mini semester B. I will have a lot on my plate between working full time, going to college full time online and at night, and being an active part of our home life. But I’m confident this is the right decision for me and our future. I believe putting in tbe extra effort now will be worth it in the long run.

 C25K I am currently behind where I wanted to be on the program. However, I am not giving up. I had planned to be starting week 3 tomorrow. Instead I’m still working my way through week 2.

 Usually our schedule revolves around my work schedule, this week has been odd in that he has had different obligations all week and my work schedule has been changed for the month and is really wonky. Our morning rountine was non-existent and our daily  devotionals were hit and miss. I’ve found myself uncentered and off kilter all week. This coming week while my schedule is still different I’m hoping to get back on track with our morning routine.  

Alcohol Markers - Picking Them Up Again

It’s cold outside and the roads around my old house are still covered in ice, I have no interest in going out in that so I’ve grabbed my cup of coffee and retreated into the cove. 

  Its been a quite a while since I’ve sat down and did some stamping and coloring with my alochol markers. So long in fact I had to breakout my cheat sheets for color combos. Since Valentines Day is coming I had to pick out one of my favorite C.C. Designs stamps and Dies, “Rose”’. I color her every year. Sometimes she even ends up on a card to be sent out. Typically I lean towards purples, pinks amd turqouise for her.

Last Few Years

I started out stamping my image on 110Lb white cardstock, using my Stamp Perfect; stamp positoner and memento tuxedo black ink. After I completee my coloring I used my Cuttlebug and the matchng die to cut her out. I deliberately went a differrnt route with her this year. While Im not 100% certian of the color combo I used over all I think shes still a cutie. Using my Spectrum Noir markers I sat down and spent some quiet time just enjoying the moment coloring away. 

 

    While it might not seem like it, I used quite a few colors today.  

  Color Combos: Hair - GR10 and GR8 Skin - TN2, FS3, FS2, and PP3 Leaves - CG2 and CG1 Roses and Shirt - CR11, CR10, and CR8 Dress, Headband and Tights - BG4, BG2, BG1 Shoes - BG4, BG2, BG1 and a white gel pen   While I do not have all the Spectrum Noir markers I do enjoy the ones I have. 

Goal: C25K

One of my biggest goals for this year is to be able to run a 5k. I have in the past walked several and I do love a virtual 5K.   As I’ve mentioned before this little gem, is where I will be tracking my progress. While I am using a C25K app on my phone there is something nice about being able to have all the information right at my fingertip. The one I’m using is 9 week program, 3 days a week. 

Weight and Fitness Insert

As I am not currently in any kind of shape to jog I am doing what I like to call the walk it edition. I am walking the program but at two different paces. Using Mille (my dreadmill) I walk at 1.5 and “jog” at 1.8. This might not seem like much but after almost 3 years of miniumal exercise this is a huge thing for me.   I have huffed and puffed my way through week one. Slightly anxious about what week two has in store for me but I’m ready to tackle it. 

On The Home Front (1)

This Christmas, my sister gave us an instant pot. At first I was a little intimated by it. I mean doesn't everyone picture a giant 70's golden mustard pot steaming away on the stove when they think pressure cookers? I can still hear  "Don't bump that, it'll explode" just like it was yesterday. (I think they meant the jars inside not the actual caner)

So as I'm setting this bad boy up for the first time, my anxiety is high and I'm picturing exploding pots in my mind. For our first meal we went supper simple. Breakfast oatmeal. I know it sounds kind of blah but it was delicious. (I’ll link the cookbook below)

Since that first meal I think we have used it everyday at least once for something. We have cooked rice (several times), hard boiled eggs, oatmeal again, and our traditional southern black-eyed peas and ham hock for New Year's Day.

I have some tried and true crock pot recipes that we have found converted to Instant Pot recipes. I can't wait to try the Hawaiian chicken in my instant pot. Oh and to pick up some accessories, from my reading it seems I can do PIP (pot in pot) method and cook multiple things at one time. Can you say Hawaiian chicken with rice. Both done at exactly the same time.

For more tips and tricks check out  By Hearth and At Home --- I must confess I called her tonight to help determine how to make our supper. Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta -- all in the instant pot in approximately 12 minutes or so.

Useful links:
Find the Breakfast Oatmeal here