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