Jane of All Crafts View RSS

Merry and Bright Pom Pom wreath 14 Dec 2019 8:36 AM (5 years ago)

Sometimes it's better to start somewhere now then to start somewhere later 20 Nov 2019 4:26 PM (5 years ago)

Hi. I'm back!

*Gulp* I have major butterflies in my stomach as I'm typing.  I have written many drafts only to abandon them.  I can't believe it's been 7 years since I've posted.  Insert bug-eyed emoji here.  Oh how I have missed this.

Where have I been?  Hmmm.  That's a complicated answer but let's just say wherever I have been and whatever I have gone through I have found my way back to myself.  Actually an even better version of my previous self before stuff hit the fan.  All my prayers have been answered.  My girls and I are healthy, happy, secure and thriving.  

Once life had become more stable I began to really miss blogging, crafting, DIYing etc.  I had also been contemplating getting back to selling my creations on Etsy.  I felt I was finally in a place where that side of me could be nurtured again. 

But I was scared, unconfident. I felt like a has-been, uncool, not good enough.  

How was I going to find the time and energy to stand out, to be successful? Social media is flooded with images of "success".  How was I going to fit in?  Did I even want to?  Would I have to change to be successful?  The idea of being inauthentic in order to be successful paralyzed me. I had worked so hard to come back to myself, jeopardizing that was triggering.  So I talked myself out of it.  I was happy working part time, being a mom/taxi, housekeeper, and occasional crafter. At least that's what I told myself.

And partly that is true.  Those things make me happy.  But something was missing.  So I began searching.  Listening to motivational podcasts, reading self help books, and taking personality tests (I'm a 1 wing 2 btw and an INFP).  To be honest these only made me feel more inadequate and raised more questions in my head.  But I trudged on hoping to find something that would help me figure it all out.

Taking a break from all this heady stuff I decided to listen to one of my favorite podcasts Young House Love has a Podcast.  John and Sherry are so cute and funny and somehow manage to teach me something while making it lighthearted and fun.  They are geniuses!  In episode 152 they interviewed Miranda Anderson from Live Free Creative.  She was so inspiring!  Immediately I cut my YHL podcast short (sorry guys, promise I went back later to finish 😊) and headed over to Miranda's.  The first podcast I listened to was Episode 1: Why NOW Is The Right Time.  It's about "why you can and should get started TODAY on the thing you want to do."

Miranda had a lot of great advice in her podcast but one sentence stood out and had the biggest impact on me.

"Sometimes it's better to start somewhere now then to start somewhere later"

I truly believe that you have to be open to things in order for them to make an impact. 

LIGHTBULB.  MOMENT.

This quote gave me permission.  Forget those insecurities and just do it.  So what if I have no clue how to successfully market my Etsy shop.  Who cares if no one reads my blog posts.  Who cares if I only have a few followers.  I will figure it out.  This stuff makes me happy.  Creating, writing, learning.  All of it feeds my soul.  So I just started.  I made an instagram post and announced I was back at it.  The sales, the comments, the likes, all of those are bonuses.

So here I am.  Scared out of my mind but doing it.  And it feels great!

Jingle Bell Junk Swap 3 Dec 2012 2:00 AM (12 years ago)

I reinforced the paper by gluing it onto a piece of cardboard. 
So where does my items from the swap come in?? 
Well you can't see them in the picture but in my items from Janel were these cool plastic ovals...


Cool right?! Here's what I decided to do with them...

Oh and I added some glitter...in aqua of course!!  What do you think?? I love it!

Now we were supposed to make one ornament but I was on a roll so I made another...

The money clip came in my goodies...and since the images were angels I just felt 'Noel' was the best caption.  The whole thing took 5 minutes to make. I glued scrap book paper in some cardboard, glued on the money clip, wraped some trim around and then stamped on the 'NOEL'.

Feels good to be creating again!

Now make sure you go check out everyone elses creation for the junk swap and snoop around their blogs too...they are some very talented ladies, and good people too! :)
Here are direct links to everyone's blogs:

Bliss Ranch, Five Days..Five Ways, Junky Vagabond, Nellie Bellie, Primitive and Proper, My Third True Love, The Bold Abode. The Thriftress, Vintage Drama, and We heart DIY

And if you are curious who got my item, click here.

Apartment hoppin' and blog choppin' 27 Sep 2012 7:11 PM (12 years ago)

Hello to the 3 people who still read my blog :) How are you guys?  Life is finally starting to calm down.  I am still working full time and living with my sister and my girls.  We recently moved to another apartment in the same complex. Blerg. Our neighbor below us was "noise sensitive" to put it politely and it became clear that silence 24/7 would be the only way to make him happy. Soooo my landlord moved us to a different apartment and our stress level has gone down tremendously! The new apartment is pretty much identical EXCEPT I no longer have a large walk in closet in my living room :( So my craft supplies do not have a home.  I am thinking tons of shelves and cubbies.  Here is where they are hanging out now...

Not exactly ideal but it is what it is...for now.  Since life is calming down I am getting the decorating/crafting/blogging bug.  I am itching to get back into the swing of things!  Here is our apartment in it's current state.  I have a ton of ideas and can't wait to get crackin'!!

Kitchen corner with mismatched chairs

Happy fridge!

Sadly my sunburst mirror did not make the move, but that is why hot glue was invented!! :)

 Once the mirror is repaired it will go between these two bookcases. Please ignore ugly antenna.

New hallway rug

Itty bitty bathroom

A client at work gave me this campaign dresser :) 6 drawers of awesomeness...now to pick a paint color.  Any ideas?









As much fun as it was, I don't really like any of them! haha!  Would love your thoughts!
We'll talk soon.  Later gators.

(B)ig (H)uge (G)inormous news!!! 8 Aug 2012 2:00 AM (12 years ago)

Hello everyone! The week is halfway over! Yay! Wednesday is my day off and tonight my sister and I are taking the girls to the county fair! Can't wait to eat crappy fair food and lose lots of money on impossible to win games!! Real all american fun!  haha!

Natalie is almost back to herself. She has her check up this morning.  Hopefully she will get the okay to eat some normal foods again. She is tired of yogurt and applesauce!  It's been a roller coaster but all and all she has handled it like a trooper!  Thanks for all the well wishes!

So in my last post I mentioned I had some big news. Like really big.  I have been holding on to this little tid bit of info for months and it has been hard to not blog about. What is this news?  Did you get a hint from the post title???

No? Well how about this...


Those would be three copies of the Holiday Craft issue from Better Homes and Gardens. Oh yeah and one of my crafts is in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I still can't believe it!

When I received the email from the editor, I was 95% sure it wasn't real. I mean this stuff doesn't happen to little ol' bloggers like me! But sure enough it was legit!  Yay for that!!


Wanna see what craft they featured? Remember these....?


When I got an advanced copy in the mail I was expecting this...and only this...


 
...which by the way, was exciting enough!!
But when I opened it up I saw this...



What the whaaaaaaaat!!!  Front page of a section!!!

Look there is my name...IN A MAGAZINE!!!!!



I am among some really cool creations by other talented ladies.



And look...I'm even credited for my work :)


In all seriousness,  I am truly honored and thankful for this opportunity!! Thanks to all of you 10 people that still read my blog ;) I'll be available to sign autographs after the press conference. hehe.

The Queen, surgery, and a new Etsy shop. 1 Aug 2012 11:45 AM (12 years ago)

'ello, 'ello!  Everyone enjoying watching the Olympics? I am borderline obsessed.  Okay maybe that is exaggerating. Kinda. I just love the variety of sports and the fact that it is in London makes me love it that much more. And how about the Queen? What a good sport she was...jumping out a plane and all. ;) Although during the parade of nations she seemed a bit stiff.

he he. You never cease to amuse me pinterest.

In other news, Natalie got her tonsils and adenoids out on Monday.  She did REALLY well! Slept most of day one, yesterday she was up but resting all day and even ate some noodles. Today she seems a bit more sore but still recovering well. I am just looking forward to a winter without strep!  Lily is up next for surgery, the tubes in her ears have not fallen out after 2 years so they have to remove them.  Recovery from that is much faster!

For those of you who are keeping tabs on the topics to be discussed, as mentioned in my super original post title, we are up to the last and final topic. A new Etsy shop!!  No, not mine but close.  My sister's!! She is a fantastic artist and painter.  Right now her shop is still in the beginning stages.  Not that I am an Etsy pro but I am going to help her as much as I can so you guys can also see how talented she is! So pop over to Kilora's Kreations and take a peak.  Make sure to check back often as her inventory will be increasing and different things will be tweaked. If you want, show her some love and hit that favorite button!  And if you have time, feel free to stop by my shop, I won't be mad if you buy something...just sayin' :)

I'll be back really soon to share a BIG announcement!! I'm mean BIG people! Seriously. It's huge.

A boy named Fergie 1 Jul 2012 11:55 AM (12 years ago)

Thanks everyone for your kind and supportive comments on my last post.  I already knew you guys would have my back, because you are cool like that!

Like I said yesterday, life has changed quite a bit in these last few months. In March I shared with you that my dog Zoe had to be put down. The whole thing was sudden and completely devastating. Well about two months later in May my other dog Sam, had a grand mal seizure. For a few weeks before the seizure he had been having trouble walking and taking the stairs and his quality of life was declining. When he had the seizure and just wasn't himself afterwards I knew if was time for me to let him go.
I still haven't come to terms with the fact that I lost two of my best friends within two months.

Sammy

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? A wise friend told me that I could lift a train with all that I had been through but to keep holding on because the caboose was coming!! The caboose is definitely within sight and it feels great!

As much as I would love another dog it just isn't the right time. I want to be able to give it the time and care it deserves and I know that that is impossible right now so...instead we bought a betta!


Isn't he cute? He's just a baby. His name is Fergie. After the girl in the Black Eye Peas. Natalie is a huge fan. Don't worry I only let her listen to the clean versions of some of their songs.

Hopefully he will be with us longer then Brooke...r.i.p.

life 30 Jun 2012 6:23 PM (12 years ago)

Hi!!! Anyone still there? I hope so! I have missed my blogging family. I first wanted to say thank you to everyone who hasn't clicked unfollow or has unsubscribed! I appreciate you hanging on! Life has been full of changes here lately. Some good, some not so good. But I am rolling with the punches and taking it one day at a time and counting my blessings. I won't go into details but I have moved into an apartment with my sister and my girls. Life is good. One lesson I have learned here lately is life may not work out the way you had planned but you just...

I am back to working full time at a veterinary hospital, which leaves little time for blogging, let alone crafting. I haven't even read many of your blogs in weeks. :( We are slowly getting into a routine. Hopefully here soon I will be able to set aside a time to craft and blog.

Here is a peek at my new place. I will show you more soon. It's tiny but I love it!


We'll talk soon!

Hello, shameless self promotion, and Memorial Day!. 28 May 2012 6:32 AM (12 years ago)

Hi!!! Anyone still there? I hope so! I have missed my blogging family. I just wanted to pop in real quick and let you guys know I am still here. I recently moved and there have been some big changes in my life but I am rolling with the punches and trying to make the best of it. I am not sure when I will be back regularly but I hope it will be very soon, we have a lot to catch up on!! And because this is a blog I am supposed to post pictures. So here you go :)

Best Cake Ever and Giveaway Alert! {Natalily Designs} 9 Apr 2012 3:29 AM (13 years ago)

Hello!!  Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter.  We had a great day!  The Easter Bunny even left a cadbury cream egg just for me...haha. Today is the last day of Spring Break for us.  We are going to make the most of it and go to the library and make this cake!

source

My friend made it and brought it to work and I will say it is THE best cake I have ever had!  And for all my friends who are on gluten free diets, this fits the bill!  Although low fat it is not ;)  Yoda am I.

I also wanted to pop in and let you know that I am giving away a $20 credit to my shop, Natalily Designs, over at my friend Cassie's blog.

So head over to Primitive and Proper and enter!!  

You have 5 chances to win!

And if you can't wait to see if you won I am also offering 10% off everything in the shop until the end of the month.  Just enter coupon code PRIM10OFF at check out!

Good luck and have a great week!

You so PUN-ny! 1 Apr 2012 3:54 AM (13 years ago)

Hello!  Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend!  In honor of April Fool's Day I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite jokes and quotes I have pinned lately.  As you guys know I love a good laugh and am constantly cracking myself up.  I even made a button.

It doesn't take a lot to make me laugh.  Some people have thrown around the word "corny" but I prefer "witty".  haha!

See there I go again!

I love me a good pun...

source

source

source

Winner!!! 29 Mar 2012 7:03 AM (13 years ago)

 Comment #86!!!

Cindy please contact me in 48 hours to claim your gift card!!  If I don't hear back in 48 hours another winner will be selected.

And for those of who didn't win, don't forget you can still get 10% off your total if you enter the coupon code janeofallcrafts10off at checkout. Coupon good until April 21st!

Happy Thursday!!

Girls' room update 25 Mar 2012 11:39 AM (13 years ago)

I know I said I would get this post up Friday but I was just not feeling well enough.  I have come down with some sort of flu like bug.  I'm super achey all over, my head hurts, and my throat is killing me.  Strep maybe? Whatever it is it stinks.  I woke up feeling better but as the day goes on the aches are getting worse and I feel a headache coming on. Boo.

Thursday I showed you the gallery wall I hung up in the girls' room using free art.  Since painting the walls and redoing the dresser, nothing else major has happened in there.  I have managed to get a few minor projects completed.

I found this really cool shelf for a couple dollars at one of my favorite thrift stores (which is now closed *sniff*).

I was loving the vintage vibe but wasn't digging the color, so I spray painted it!


Ahhh...much better.  It's on the wall near Natalie's side of the bed.  On top is a cute little bird Cassie gave to me when she was moving and going through stuff.  The vase next to it is from Ikea that holds some tissue paper flowers I made for the girls awhile ago.  The next shelf has two jars from the dollar store where we keep Natalie's shell and rock collections.  The bottom shelf has a basket that holds her nail polish.


The corgi puppy in my pocket is a new addition because it reminds Natalie of Zoe.

The next thing is another thrift store find.  Not sure what it was originally intended for but I thought it would be the perfect little wastebasket.  It started out like this, all sad and icky...


Then I introduced it to some happy yellow spray paint!!  I may do a little something else to it but I have yet to be inspired, so until then it stays like this.  It gives a nice pop of color to their room.


Another vintage find was this accordion coat rack.  It was plain brown before I attacked it with spray paint.


This last piece was also given to me by Cassie.  I didn't do much to it, just tightened up the chicken wire and hung it up.  It hold all the girls bows and hair clips as well as some orignial pieces of art ;)


That is pretty much all that has gone on in their room so far.  I still need to figure something out for the big blank space above their bed and then the wall decor will be complete.

I also need to paint their bookshelf still not sure on the color though.
My girls' love their books...can you tell?


 On top of the shelf sits each of the girls first build a bear.  They each got one for their first birthday.
And a birdcage with more tissue paper flowers.  The dragonfly is another gift from Cassie.


Instead of using the small yellow table as one of the nightstands I decided to move in the pair from our bedroom and so far I've just changed the hardware.  These are also going to get a coat of paint.  I was leaning towards yellow but now I'm not so sure.


I'm sorry I don't have a picture of the whole room. I thought I had one on my computer but can't find it.  I would go take one real quick but Lily is in there snoozing. :)

Okay I am off to lay back down and maybe take a little nap myself.

Feed Your Soul and make a gallery wall! 22 Mar 2012 6:28 PM (13 years ago)

A gallery wall!!

I promise the pictures are level, it's my camera skilz that are wonky.  I apologize for the glare but I tried everything and when I figured out a way to get rid of the glare the room was too dark...haha!

Okay here are the deets:

I can't take ANY credit for the arrangement.  My awesome friend Jamie, from The Creative Imperative hooked me up!  It took her like 2 seconds and I snapped a picture so I could remember the awesomeness whenever I got around to actually hanging the pictures.

Not all are from Feed Your Soul.  The one on the very top and also the one on the bottom are index cards (backed with paper I downloaded and printed from here) that I bought at a local boutique called Sweet Elizabeth Jane.  They have inspirational quotes on them.
The top says, "Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." and the bottom says, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are-e.e. cummings"  I just loved them and thought they were perfect for a girls room.

The frames are super inexpensive Ikea frames.  The "glass" is actually plastic.  They are really lightweight and perfect for prints.  Since they are so lightweight they tend to move around a lot and not stay straight.  In order to remedy that I put a little sticky tack on the back of the bottom of the frame to hold it in place.  The frames stay put and I am not constantly straightening them!

Hopefully you can see all the pictures from the two photos.  But if you can't here they are...







 I couldn't individually link each picture so if you click on one of them they will take you to the download page and you just need to scroll until you see the picture you want.

I hope you guys go over to Feed Your Soul and check out all the artwork.
I plan to be back tomorrow with some more pictures of some other minor updates in the girls' room.
See ya then!

Oh and don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple giveaway for a $50 gift card!!

Shabby Apple Giveaway! 21 Mar 2012 6:37 AM (13 years ago)

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Making my readers happy makes me happy and I could really use a big dose of happy!

So...when Shabby Apple asked if I wanted to host a giveaway I was thrilled!
For those of you who live under a rock :) Shabby Apple is an online dress boutique.  They sell the prettiest clothes.  I love pretty much all of them but am especially drawn to the vintage inspired looks.

Like this one...

Alto Sax dress

or this one...

Lima dress

They even have kids dresses...

Gumballs dress

awesome accessories...

Love knot necklace

San Remo ring

even things for your home!

cat manchu magnets

Freedom! print

Cat's with mustaches, bird's and butterflies...I die!

Seriously I could spend a whole paycheck on stuff from Shabby Apple and not think twice!

Well I don't have a paycheck to give away but I do have a $50 gift card!!!  

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY: Visit Shabby Apple's facebook page and "like" them.


Additional entries:

•  Be a follower of this here blog 

• "Like" Jane of All Crafts on facebook

• Visit Shabby Apple's website and tell me what you would buy with your $50 gift card, if you won.

Dear Zoe, 19 Mar 2012 5:47 PM (13 years ago)

I'm sorry you never got to run in that big yard like I promised.
I'm sorry for yelling at you for barking.  I'd give anything to hear that bark again.
I'm sorry for putting you in that rainbow sweater. (But you looked so stinkin' cute)


 I'm sorry that I couldn't fix you.   I'm sorry that you got so sick so fast.

Words can't express how much you are missed.
You were a part of our family and things just don't feel the same without you here.  
I love you.

'Girls-Just-Wanna-Have-Fun' crocheted bracelets 6 Mar 2012 9:30 AM (13 years ago)

Whether you guys know this or not I have been having internet issues AGAIN, but this time I think the fix is permanent.  Cross your fingers.  So if any of you were wondering why I hadn't stopped by or responded to your emails...that was why.  I had tried and failed to use the computer at the library.  Thinking that a 2 year old would sit still and allow me to focus enough to put a thought together seemed like a rational idea at the time.  So then I basically resorted to just checking my email in the parking lot of Panera or mMcD's on my ipod in case anything urgent came through, you know like an email from Nate Berkus or the like ;) I also got to read all your sweet comments regarding the duffel bag I made.  Thanks so much for all the love.  And if it weren't for awesome instructions and pattern from Gingercake who knows if it would have even resembled a bag when I was finished! ha!

I tend to be a fickle crafter.  If crafts were relationships then I would be a player. hehe.  A few weeks ago I was on a sewing kick. That is when I made the baby gifts for Oliver and then the duffel bag.  Now I am hanging out with my yarn and crochet hooks.  Remember that blanket I started?  Let me refresh your memory.

Yeah almost finished! As soon as it's done I will share.  I have also been working on some smaller projects.  I found this pattern for crocheted bracelets on Ravelry.  I thought my girls would love them.  And I just loved the name!  And after all the internet drama this girl just wanted to have some fun!

I made one for each of my girls.
Natalie's is hot pink.



And of course I had to make an aqua one!  This one is Lily's.  I adjusted the pattern a little so that it was a tad smaller otherwise the bracelet would slide right off Lily's arm.



The pattern is great for beginners, 5 rows of single crochets.  Embellish with some fun buttons and that's it!  Super quick and fun craft!

Natalie has already requested that I make her some more :)

What do you do when you just wanna have fun?

Look wHOO sewed her first bag! 23 Feb 2012 5:57 PM (13 years ago)

HI!!!  You guys may have not known this but I have been without the internet since Monday!  Seriously you would have thought I lost a limb.  How did I survive most of my childhood without it I will never know! With that said I want to apologize for not replying to emails, comments, or stopping by your blogs and saying hello.  My google reader is a bit overwhelming at the moment so I am slowly catching up on what you guys have been up too.

A few moths ago I bought The Make Your Getaway Duffle PDF pattern by Gingercake.  My intentions were to make each of the girls a duffel bag to use when we travel.  Once I got the pattern I felt like I had bitten off a little more then I could chew but I tackled it anyway.  Well about half way through I got frazzled and put it away hoping that I would get the motivation (and guts) to finish it.  During this last week in the "dark ages" I was able to do just that!!  And I must say I am pretty proud of myself.  Not only does it look like it is supposed to but it came together without a hitch!!  All the pieces matched up perfectly.  It definitely was a boost to my sewing confidence!  

What do think? Isn't that the cutest fabric?  I added the piping and made my handles wider.
I am in love!  Now just to start on the next one.

Does anyone else dislike cutting out fabric or am I the only one?

Gifts for baby Oliver 17 Feb 2012 6:12 PM (13 years ago)

Okay so I am about to burst from the anticipation.  One of my dearest friends, Ali has a twin sister, Lisa who is in labor as I type!!!  He may even already be here by now because the last update I got was that she was about to begin pushing and that was over an hour ago.  His name is Oliver Cash and he is one lucky little guy!  Not only does he have a family who already loves him to pieces, look at his nursery!!

via Lisa @ Turning Tables

via Lisa @ Turning Tables

via Lisa @ Turning Tables

How cool is that?  Makes me wish I was in the blogging world when I decorated my girls' nurseries.

And since Oliver is clearly going to be the trendiest and of course cutest new kid on the block I had to send Lisa and her husband, Josh, some cool and hip baby gifts.

Every baby needs a blankie, lovey, or in the case of my girls, a "taggie".  Babies love tags.  So I made a tag blanket for Oliver.  I used organic cotton flannel from the Cloud 9 Forest Friends line. This is G'nite Owl and Crumbs in Earth. The back is chenille.

When I purchased the flannel I also bought a bundle of fat quarters in Monaco from the MonaLuna line by Jennifer Moore.  So I made some drool bibs and a couple of burp cloths.  I also had some brown zebra fabric left over from my stool makeover and I thought it would make a fun, modern drool bib.  I mean if you're gonna be drooling why not look cool while doing it? ;)


How cool are those vespas?




And I wouldn't be a true craft blogger if I didn't send Ollie a freezer paper stenciled onsie!


Lisa received the gifts yesterday (just in time!) and loved them.  And I just got another update and Oliver has arrived!!  Mom and baby are doing awesome!  Welcome Oliver!  XOXO

Goat lips and other answers {I've been tagged} 15 Feb 2012 7:17 PM (13 years ago)

Hi there!!  I have been tagged by one of my bff's, Cassie, and since I am ALWAYS the one to break the chain I thought this time I would actually try to keep it going. So here goes...
  
RULES
**You must post the rules
**Answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you & then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged
**Tag 11 people and link them in your post**Let them know you have tagged them


1. If you could meet any person in American history, who would it be and why?
I think Abraham Lincoln would be awesome to meet, preferably before his Ford's theater exit ;) I just think his life story is interesting.  And of course my first question would be about his wardrobe choices.


2. What do you consider to be your greatest talent?
Well besides my awesome goat lip impression ;) 

I would say my ability to draw almost anything I see, although I wouldn't say I was an artist...I'm just good at copying.  Coming up with my own stuff is hard for me.




3. If you could go back in time and live in any period, decade, era, where would you land?
I think the 50s...mainly for the fashion...love it all.  The June Cleaver stuff...not so much.  And I sometimes I wish my life was just like "Grease" :)  

source

4. If you could have unlimited credit at any store, what store would it be?
Such tough questions!  Anthropologie first, then maybe the Container store, every closet in my house would be elfa-sized, and Etsy, I know it's technically not a store but wouldn't it be awesome to have unlimited credit there?!


5. What is your most prized possession?
These two of course!  I couldn't imagine life without them and my life is better because of them.  And I try to let them know everyday how much they mean to me.



6. What are you most looking forward to in 2012?
Inner peace...whatever that entails.  And finally meeting one of my best buds Ali in May!!


7. What is your favorite season and why?
So hard to choose but probably Summer.  I don't like the icky gross humidity but I love the beach and wearing flip flops everyday.  I would probably like it even more if I was in better shape and felt comfortable in a bathing suit.


8. Do you have any bad habits?
Does coffee count?  Because I really don't see anything bad about it. :)


9. What do you miss most about being a child?
Everything!!  Haha!!  I had an awesome childhood.   There was a lot of love, laughter, and dancing.  I always felt safe, loved, and respected. 


10. When you go to the zoo, what is the animal you can't leave without seeing?
If it's the DC zoo then the pandas, any other zoo, the elephants!

source

11. If you could rename MY blog, what would you name it?
But I like the name you already have.  Um...everything I think of is super lame.  Painted Haven? Rehab refuge? That's all I gots.

And now for my questions:
1. If you had to eat the same thing everyday for the rest of your life what would it be?
2. If you woke up one day and were an animal, what type would you be?
3. If you could pick any profession other then your current one, what would it be?
4. How many states have you visited?
5. Ever been overseas? If not where do you dream of going?
6. If you had to choose, would you rather be an awesome dancer or an amazing singer?
7. What is your favorite beverage? (alcoholic or non)
8. What would your dream home look like?
9. What trait about yourself do you value most?
10. Have you ever tasted the rainbow? ;)
11. Mac or PC?

tag you're it...

Allison from Fab Rehab Creations
Amy from Ameroonie Designs
Laurie from Little Blue Chairs
Gwen from Gwenny Penny
Mary from Crocheting the Day Away
Meri from Meri-Goes-Round
Jenny from An Apple for the Crafter
Amy from Increasingly Domestic
Jamie from The Creative Imperative
Nicole from Home for Hire
Lu from Just Lu

And ladies...please feel no obligation to keep this going.  If you just want to answer the questions, awesome.  If you don't want to participate at all, I am totally cool with that too!

25 things 8 Feb 2012 6:03 PM (13 years ago)

I'm sure you guys have seen the 25 things blog posts around blog land and since I have lost my crafting mojo again I thought what the heck!!

1.  I need a haircut...it's starting to look like I should be driving a trans am and sportin' some acid washed cutoffs.

2. Speaking of hair...I find a new gray hair EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. At this rate I will be all gray by Friday.

3.  If being able to figure out a Rubix cube is a measure of intelligence, then I am DUH-umb!

4.  Mexican food rocks.

5. I only like Coke from the fountain, I think it is gross from a bottle or can.

6.  I always get Cherry Coke when I go to the movies but regret it every time because the popcorn and soda combo always upsets my stomach.

7.  I think it's unfair that I am half portuguese and have a hard time tanning.

8. I am only on number 8 and am strugglin' :)

9. I have a secret dream to be on So You Think You Can Dance.

10.  I can't dance.

11. I am more upset about Picnik's demise then I let on.

12. If I ever had another kid and it was a boy, I would name him Jack.

13.  Cool Hand Luke Paul Newman is hot.

14. My parents let me watch Poltergeist when I was 7 and I had nightmares for weeks.

15. Drinking a Pepsi at 9 o'clock seemed like a good idea.

16. I've never had a pedicure.

17. I dream of owning my own organizing business.

18. I miss my parents and sis, mucho.

19. In and Out Burger needs to franchise on the East coast

20. I'm famous for my goat lip impression.

21. I have started working at a local veterinary hospital on Saturdays and I LOVE it!

22. I have an unhealthy obsession with Teen Mom 2 and the Real Housewives of Orange County

23. I can't stop listening to Fleetwood Mac's rumours album, it's been months.

24. ALL of my jeans have a hole in the knee.

25. It took me a really long time to come up with 25 things.

How's that for random? :)

Better late then never... 2 Feb 2012 10:13 AM (13 years ago)

Me, Cassie, Sarah, Kate, & Kate's hubby

"Cha...I can like totally run this in like 33 mins..."

"Bring it!"

Oh yeah...10th grade baby.
First year without glasses.
But apparently my eyesight was still poor, I mean look at those mama jama eyebrows!!
I was in need of a serious plucking intervention.

You're welcome.

Yep I'm here... AND I got all crafty {V-day bunting} 31 Jan 2012 5:52 PM (13 years ago)

So um yeah it's been almost a month since I last posted...oops.  So much for being back.  The blog and crafting has been put on the back burner because my focus has been on other things, stressful things but very important things.  Vague enough for you?  And because of the stress from these things I have had NADA motivation to craft and/or blog.  I could have blogged about Lily peeing on the potty for the first time or that Natalie puked outside on our deck in the snow or that my beautiful rug has been ruined by dog pee but i figured you may not find that too riveting or pin worthy ;)

BUT today I got all crafty. I was inspired by one of my bff's Ali, who makes the most amazing buntings.  They are always perfection. Check out her shop to see for yourself! I had the idea in my head for awhile but finally found the motivation to bring it to life.

And here is what I came up with.

A pretty valentine bunting.

Kraft paper, doilies, and paper hearts.

Simple but pretty.

So thanks Ali. XO

And before I go my pal Ryan has something to tell you...




Linking up here:

New year, new attitude and a crap load of pictures 2 Jan 2012 5:48 PM (13 years ago)

Happy New Year!!  Hope everyone had a safe and fun night ringing in 2012!  Natalie was so excited this year because she was allowed to stay up and she actually made it to midnight!  Mama on the other hand was hurtin' by 11 :)

Even though I didn't get much sleep, I woke up feeling energized and ready to start this year off on the right foot.  2011 was full of many highs and some definite lows.  As far as this blog goes, it has grown and changed a lot in the last year.  I feel that this year I really became comfortable with my blogging "voice" and you guys have welcomed me with open arms.  I have met so many amazing people and many have become lifelong friendships.  I was overwhelmed by your love and support when I told you about the elephant in the room and then when I needed to take a break.  Knowing that I have people that love me and care about me even though we had never "met" has been such a blessing and has helped more then I could ever explain.  I have no expectations this year when it comes to my depression.  I can only take it one day at a time and hope for more good days then bad but accept each day for what it is.

I've missed you!! {and a questionare} 15 Dec 2011 6:16 PM (13 years ago)

Hi.  It's been awhile.  Have you missed me?  Well I have missed you.  My google reader has something like 950 unread posts :(  You guys have been busy!  I wish I could say that I am 100% better but instead I will say that things are headed in the right direction and every day is a new day.  Some days are harder to get through then others but I am hanging in.  And thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your love, support, prayers, emails, and sweet comments.  I'm so thankful for all of you.




So I am still on the fence about getting back into the blogging thing on a regular basis.  With Christmas and Natalie's birthday happening this month, blogging just seems like too much pressure at the moment.  But like I said I miss you guys so I thought I would pop in and say hi and share a fun questionare I saw on my good friend Cassie's blog.  


Here you go...


1. egg nog or hot chocolate?  I actually like both.  Just depends on my mood.

2. does santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Wrapped!  He even has his own special wrapping paper :)



3. colored lights on tree/house or white? I like white lights on the tree and big old fashioned lights on the house!


4. do you hang mistletoe? not every year but I have in the past.

5. when do you put your decorations up? I don't have a specific day but I try to put them up by the first week of December.  


6. what is your favorite holiday dish? That is a hard one...I love the goodies like peppermint bark, fudge, gingerbread cookies...

7. favorite holiday memory as a child? I have so many! I remember the year I got my first bike, a huffy with a white plastic basket and banana seat!  

8. when and how did you learn the truth about santa? I'm sorry, what was the question?


9. do you open a gift on christmas eve? Yep...and traditionally it is usually new PJs!

10. how do you decorate your christmas tree? Lots of sparkle!  Olive green, cranberry and gold ornaments, lots of vintage style ornaments, white lights, and candy canes!

11. snow! love it or dread it? LOVE it as long as I don't have anywhere to go.


12. can you ice skate?I've only tried once when I went on a trip to York, England when I was ten and the ice was a little melted so I wouldn't really call it ice skating.  I would love to take the girls when they are older.


13. do you remember your favorite gift? that's a tough one, but I always looked forward to the stockings, Santa always did an awesome job!

14. what's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Remembering the true meaning of the season and trying to take time to enjoy the moments with my girls.  

15. what is your favorite holiday dessert? all of the above :)
.
16. what is your favorite holiday tradition? decorating a gingerbread house and driving around looking at Christmas lights.


17. what tops your tree? A gold star

18. which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Giving!!  Nothing is better then finding the perfect gift and seeing the recipients reaction.  Christmas with kids is the best!  I love watching their reactions on Christmas morning.

19. candy canes: yuck or yum? Yum!

20. favorite christmas show? It's a Wonderful Life and Elf :)


21. saddest christmas song? Can't think of one, do they even exist?


22. what is your favorite christmas song? Wow so many....I love Little Drummer Boy, We three Kings, Jingle bell rock, anything sung by Johnny Mathis :)

Your turn!  Just copy and paste and fill in your answers!