Winding down the 100DayProject

I awoke the other day with many thoughts about the 100 Day project and decided to jot them down here to share with you.

Some of the bits I gathered/curated at the start of this year's project

As this is my eighth year participating and my ninth project* (because I crazily did TWO projects last year 🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤣), you may wonder why I keep doing it. Honestly, I sometimes wonder too. 

But, there's something about the commitment of knowing what you're going to be doing for 100 days. And, there's the excitement and build-up of it at the start. Often, there's the relief in knowing that I'll have more art pieces completed at the end and the personal expectancy to show up EVERY SINGLE DAY. But, it is probably the days that lag and when inspiration just isn't there that are the real reasons I do this project year after year. It helps me see that even at those times, I can create something. It likely won't be the best thing ever, but I did it. I got through the lag and drag.

And, there's something about coming out the other side of the project. Of having that release, the FREEDOM to do something else, anything else. That you are no longer held to your commitment to do whatever you've been doing for 100 days - that you now have time to explore another project. 

Here, at the end of this #NotPreciousProject, I'm seeing that light at the end of the tunnel and am feeling inspired by what comes next. And, I'm doing it with a sense that I can use those "precious" items. I'm excited to put away some of the things I've pulled out (see picture above) and finally clean up my spaces and move forward.

I mean...ICAD starts on June 1st!

*If you're interested in learning more about my previous projects or this year's please see my announcement post for the 100 Day Project 2024.

Giveaway update and other news

Unfortunately for her, I don't think Clare ever saw my last post and that she had won the first earring giveaway. However, that means another lucky reader has been selected. Don't worry though Clare, there are still a few more giveaways to go. The second giveaway is going on right now! Make sure you leave your e-mail when you leave a comment thought!

Number 4 is Al! I'll be e-mailing Al about getting her prize to her. Congratulations!!

In unrelated news, my middle school dreams came true this weekend as I went to New Orleans with some friends to see New Kids on the Block! As an added bonus, Paula Abdul and Boyz II Men were also part of the show! 

We had some pretty amazing seats in front of a second stage toward the back of the venue.

Yup, that's the New Kids RIGHT THERE behind me! And yup, I was geeking out! 

Anyway, the last bit I want to mention is that I should be sending out my first newsletter in the next day or two. Make sure you're signed up!

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I think that's all for now. How was YOUR weekend?

Thanksgiving Rambles

I'm writing this on Thanksgiving eve as my sweet potatoes bubble away on the stove so I can pre-make sweet potato casserole for tomorrow's big event. While I have a scant few minutes of down time, I thought I'd pop in with a rambling, pondering, things I've found lately pos.

First,

Now for the ramblings/pomderings
**I'm so tired of seeing commercials for shops that AREN'T going to be open on Thanksgiving. Like it's some big, special thing. It wasn't until last year (as I remember. . .could be fuzzy) a few shops decided to be open on Thanksgiving. And now these other shops are all, "Hey, look at us! We're going to do the same thing we've ALWAYS done, but now we want you to be proud of us for it." WTH!? It just bothers me.

** I was talking to my niece about 80s music and I realized that I know we call the 1920s the 20s and the 1970s the 70s, and so on. . .but what to we call the 2000s? The naughts? The zeros? The nothings? What about the 2010s? The tens? The teens? I'm baffled. anybody got a good answer?

** So, I'm hosting Thanksgiving at my house - for the first time EVER tomorrow. I'm so excited but shocked by the prospect that I think I've been in denial. I keep thinking it's not really going to happen and thus I haven't really been busting my butt to get anything done (I didn't start cleaning the house in earnest until today. I haven't made any decorations. And, I'm not super stressed about the food. . .well, not until I realized that I hadn't planned any munchies/relish tray/appetizers. Pat calmed me down and we came up with a plan) Anyway, in this whole semi-getting-ready process I've unpacked my good china (inherited)  that I've never eaten from and some stemware (also inherited) but then realized that Pat and I only have a single set of flatware. . .enough for four. We never inherited any flatware, we had to go shopping! And now that I feel like I'm starting to get everything handled, I kinda wanted to plan something insane and memorable just in case I never get to host again but am afraid that may be the cause of me never hosting again. This is going to be quite the experience. I kinda want everyone to wear pilgrim hats then go spread smallpox to the neighbors (since we're new to the neighborhood and all.) Anyway, wish me luck!

**I stumbled on this video the other day and just had to share. #4 is my favorite one for sure - Pat and I quote it all the time.


**My family has its own share of funny Thanksgiving moments. My favorite is probably the time my aunt went to give grace and said the Pledge of Allegiance instead. We tease her about it to this day.

** Finally, I have so very much to be thankful for. My heart overflows with love from my family and friends, a dream house over my head, and plenty of food in my kitchen. I wish for all of you the very best. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Currently I'm. . .

Bookmarking || I love this perspective from Elizabeth at Delightfully Tacky in her Learning = Sucking post. My favorite quote from her in the whole thing, "Allow yourself to be bad at things in the pursuit of getting better at them." Seriously, go read her post. I'm sure it will touch a chord.

Creating || Lots and lots of simple bracelets. I was on a kick. I'm not sure any of these are even very good, but it got my hands moving while I focused on other thoughts.

Enjoying || My husband's super intelligence and ability to figure out my computer issues this morning while I simply freaked out.

Feeling || Awful, I’m still suffering from this darn sinus headache. I think it's either getting better or I'm getting used to it.

Listing || This necklace from back in January is now finally in the shop.

Trust Necklace

Making || A big ole mess on my desk.

Marveling || Over the fact that another month has passed us by and we are already into August.

Needing || To go out and do some shopping for a birthday present.

Playing || Too many dang games on my phone

Reading || Wool by Hugh Howey

Wanting || To win Lorelei’s giveaway for today. It’s awesome y’all!

Lorelei's Friday Schmorgasborg Giveaway

Wasting || Time, I always feel like I'm wasting time.

Wishing || Someone else would come and clean the floors for me today. I just want to hide away in my craft room.

Wondering || If we’ll get everything ready for our upcoming camping trip.

Working || On getting my Pinning with Purpose post ready for Sunday.

So what are you up to today?

Today I'm. . .

Trying out something new.

Currently, I'm. . .
Bookmarking: Recipes. I’m ALWAYS finding new recipes. This one for a Pecan Cobbler is probably the latest find.

Creating: Space. I’ve got this pile of beads and love the palette, but have become completely stuck on what to make of it. At this point, I just want it off my desk but I don't want to just stuff it away. Sigh.

Enjoying: The weather. The temperatures have started to go down a little here in the Deep South and it’s almost bearable to be outside.

Feeling: Better. The cold I had a few weeks ago is finally coming to an end. I hope.

Giggling: At myself. I'm still really tickled by my anniversary pun from yesterday.

Listening: To the quiet. Mornings are really quiet here. All I really hear is the running of the fishtank and the white noise of my laptop.

Listing:  A new necklace. Here's what's newest in the Etsy Shop.

Dawn Necklace

Needing: Coffee. My cup is low again dangit.

Noticing: The mess. Well, I’m not just now noticing it, but the disastrous clutter in the craft room is getting to me. It may be time for another overhaul.

Reading: Sedaris. I really prefer to listen to David Sedaris read from his books, he’s so funny. But I picked up his newest book, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, from the library a few weeks ago and have finally cracked it open.

Watching: Star Trek (seriously).  During lunch, Pat and I watch an episode of a show on Netflix. We've worked through all the episodes in several shows this way. We started on Star Trek: The Next Generation last week and are really getting a kick out of it.

Wearing: Comfort. Today is all about comfort so I threw on jeans, a t-shirt, and a cardigan. Also, bare feet.There will be flip-flops in my future (it's not that cool yet) and probably a necklace before leaving the house.

Wishing: To go thrifting. I think I might hit up a favorite antique store or two when I head into Mobile later today.

Wondering: What you think. How do you like this type of post from me?

Link-a-palooza and other Randomness

Today I just want to share a bunch of randomness with you. S'alright? I apologize for the rambly-ness of  my recent posts.

First, if you're looking for my Bead Soup reveal, there's a link to it just up there /\ below my banner. . .see it on the left? Next to the Home button? There ya go! I thought that might be the easiest way to keep it available.

Fruit at the local Farmer's Market

I don't think I've outright mentioned that Pat and I are doing this whole healthy diet thing. He's the researcher for these things, I'm just the planner. I didn't post my menu for this week because it took me a little longer to get in the mindset and since we were preparing for Issac, I wasn't sure if we would actually get to eat the meals I planned. By Tuesday afternoon we weren't in the direct path of the storm and I had it worked out. Here are the basics of what we're doing (I think).

• We're cutting back on our animal product intake. I cannot go full vegetarian or vegan. . .I like cheese, bacon, and butter a little too much. (Probably how we got in the shape we're in to start with.)
• As well, he says we want to eat as much 'whole' foods as possible. Basically, we want as little processing to go into our foods. So, fresh over frozen or canned. No problem. . .I think fresh tastes better anyway. 
• The processed bread/cracker/pasta items we DO eat need to say 'whole' in the first few ingredients. . .or something like that.
• We've also continued to juice for at least one meal a day (breakfast or lunch work best for me). 
• Oh. . .and there's something about cutting back our sugar intake. Whatever.
• We had planned on trying to be more active, but have gotten cooped up inside because of the storm. Now that it's passed, we hope to work on that a little more.

So that's the general gist I have of it right now. I haven't completely figured out all the rules, but I'm trying. Pat bought  me a vegetarian cookbook (I like books) and I actually cooked Tofu earlier in the week. It was. . .okay. For now, I'm feeling kinda crummy, but I've been told that it's a fairly normal feeling when all those toxins start to leave your body. I'll ride the wave for now.


Since I'm going with randomness as today's theme, this seems a fitting time for a

• This is a little late, but Michelle Mach has a list of Beading & Jewelry Making contests for Summer/Fall 2012. Shoot. . .some of the links she has go into 2013. What a helpful gal she is!
• GIVEAWAY: Anne Gardanne of Gardanne Beads is having a giveaway of two sets of her beautiful wares. Check out the rules and how to enter on her blog. 

  

  Just one of the yummy sets available to win

• If you still haven't seen Lesley Watt's (The Gossiping Goddess) cool tutorial for these little bracelets you must have been hiding under a bush. Welcome back to the world and check out this fun bracelet  tutorial now!
• Social Media is a topic close to my heart. I plan on writing up a post at some point on how I determine if I will follow you on Twitter. In the meantime, this post from ProBlogger on the 10 Rules of Social Media Engagement is a really great overview on how best to use social media.

Now let me share just a little shop news and I'll be out of your hair for at least the rest of today.
Some of my Shabby Beads were featured in this brightly hued treasury.

Hot Pink and Blue Treasury

On Sale

Unearthed Necklace

 New

Heavenly Earrings

I just have to mention how excited I am that the College football season has started up. I'll  be rooting for the Alabama Crimson Tide tomorrow night and I cannot wait!! Roll Tide!

With the sun FINALLY out after the storm, I'm hoping to soak it up and get my creative juices flowing again. . .and get my butt OUT of this computer chair. What are you hoping to accomplish this weekend?

Loving Those Links

Just dropping in to share a few quick links with y'all.

I listed these uber-girlie earrings

Pretty Pink Earrings

There's another giveaway going on at Beaducation for Craft Month.

How about some Totally Random links:

• Cute chameleon - my fave lizard. I want one. This doesn't help.
• Some tips on getting or staying inspired to create from the Creative Goddess.

And finally. . .some Home Decor ideas/projects. Of course, these are all Sewing-related, so it'll be a while before I ever learn to make them. Instead, let me just share the pretty ideas!!

• Fabric boxes
• Make felt fabric curtains that still let in plenty of light.
• Ribbon table runner (the example one was done for Halloween, but could be adjusted for any theme/color palette.)
• Here's another table runner. This one is a patchwork design (Again, the example is for Christmas morning, but can be adjusted)
• Staying on the table-scape theme, here's some mix and match napkins.

Short and sweet, how about that?

Feverish and Falling Behind

What does it mean when you wake up Monday morning with a fever? Does that mean you had a good weekend or not? I'm going to go with GOOD weekend, or at least with heck-a-busy weekend. Sooooo crazy busy that Pat and I were both sick on Valentine's Day. That's not too big of a deal since we were planning on celebrating V-Day this coming weekend anyway.

So, what kept us so busy this weekend? Port Trio (Pat's band) played Friday, Saturday was consumed with my Mardi Gras Ball (decorating and hosting it), and Sunday was a day at the beach (literally).

Of course, as I've already stated, I woke up with a fever yesterday and spent all day battling it. I'm feeling a bit better today. However, this week is just going to be a bit off. There will  be no meal plan (sorry) and I have no Valentine post for you. . .oh well. Instead, there will most likely just be randomness. (Hurray?)

First random topic - when not sleeping yesterday, I spent my time trying to decrease the amount of blogs in my feed reader. I stumbled upon a Valentine giveaway for some Industrial Chic pieces and found out this morning I had won. Check out Kristen Robinson's blog  and her Valentine post to see the goodies I'll be getting.

Secondly, I was featured in another treasury. This time the treasury is made of Etsians from the Red Dirt Crafters Team.

From the Red Dirt of Alabama

There's also a new collage bangle in the shop.

French Blaze Bangle

Since I'm going with random today, here's a few links that fit that description.

•  Some tips for getting a home office organized. I really like these neat and different ideas.
• If you've been reading me long enough you should know I like anything Harry Potter, so here's an amazing Harry Potter birthday gingerbread cake - it's Hogwarts!!

And, a few general Crafty Links

• How to make cold porcelain 
• Water balloon candle holders 
• Contemporary pom pom flowers 
• Top 100 tutorials of 2008  - Oh yes, I've been saving links for a LONG time!!
• Duct tape, no sew tote bag

Now, I'm off to get a few more tasks complete and maybe even FINALLY start on my Valentine Project(s) for Pat. Here's hoping your week is going much better than mine started off!

Celebrating the Little Victories

As I begin to seriously contemplate my New Year's goals and resolutions; I realize that I should have already made these decisions. At least I've got a few more days to nail them down.
In the meantime, let me fill you in on what I HAVE accomplished.

There was a bit of time spent in the craft room today. However, it wasn't as long as I had hoped since I've been feeling a bit under the weather. This is what the craft desk looked like when I left it.

As well, there's a new listing in the shop

Hard Candy Earrings

While I didn't do very much work (just left a comment) for this next accomplishment, I can't help but mention it. Today, I found out that I won the Thursday Giveaway on Andrew Thornton's blog. It's a wonderful collection of beads from SueBeads. I can't wait to play with them!!

And, since I'm really trying to get back into regular blogging habits, here's some links for you.
~*Crafty Links*~
Seeing as the weather has turned cold even down south where I am, my thoughts turn to fiber projects. Here are a few crochet ones. Maybe one day I'll learn to crochet something other than a single chain stitch. Anyway.

• How to crochet a hexagon 
• Crochet a rag rug from old t-shirts 
• And for some added warmth, another rag rug tutorial 

Totally Random Tuesday Links

• Hollywood is dead - A gallery of zombified movie posters from some of my favorite movies! You'll find more like this                                             
• Speaking of Harry Potter and Hollywood, check out this list of famous people/characters sorted into Hogwarts Houses
• And I know Christmas is over, but I think you can totally appreciate this Frank Lloyd Wright Falling Water gingerbread house anytime of year.

 So that's it. Back to work thinking over those resolutions. What's on your New Year's List?

Eye Candy All Over the Place!

It hit me last week that in two weeks time, the first items I listed on Etsy will be expiring. I think I might have mentioned this. I've been pondering what to do, and for now I don't think I'll be renewing them. Instead, I created a SALE section in the shop and placed those first items (as well as the Halloween ones) there. All the items in this section (so far) have been marked AT LEAST 20% OFF. Some of them have been marked down even more. Here's a sample of some of the items that are in the for SALE section.

Orange You Glad I Didn't Say Turquoise Necklace

SOLD!! Copper Prism Earrings SOLD!!

All Things Bright and Beautiful Bracelet

Desert Waves Necklace

Of course, this is just a few of the items I've placed on sale. You should head over there and see what else is marked down. Please note that the items that are NOT Halloween will be expiring in less than two week's time. So if you want something, you better snatch it up now!!

In addition, I added a two new pairs of earrings to the general shop:

Modern Lace Earrings

Just a POP of Color Earrings

There are PLENTY of other items from which to choose in the CraftyHope Etsy Shop. Head over and check it out!

If you're here for some fun links or Crafty Links, I'd hate to disappoint. Here we go!
*~Crafty Links~*
Today's topic is . . .Home Decor

• Terra cotta cupcake stand
• Sew floor cushions 
• These wire candle holders are cool as they are, but I can totally see adding some beads to them for a little pizazz.
• Woven button coasters (with embroidery thread)
• I LOVE LOVE LOVE this tiered bowl from dollar store bowls and candlesticks.  

Now some random links just for fun!

• Money origami is just fascinating. I think origami is cool, but this is simply amazing! 
• 10 strange and wonderful soaps - crafty too!! 
• This indoor tabletop water garden is SO NEAT. I suck w/plants but this really looks like it might be low maintenance, maybe. Hmmmm, definitely an option.

I hope I've met everyone's needs for today. If there's something you were looking for here and didn't find it, feel free to let me know!
As a reminder, the remainder of my week will be a little crazy, so my posting may be spastic.
Now, go look at those SALE PRICES!!

Working on My Rhythm (TRT)

Now that I've actually got some items listed in the Crafty Hope Jewelry Etsy shop, I'm struggling to come up with a daily/weekly schedule of how to spend my time.

Currently, I'm waking up (a little too late), having coffee, blogging and going through e-mails before I head into any major tasks for the day. Unfortunately, yesterday was spent with very little crafty time. I used the morning to organize recipes, develop a menu for the week, and make a grocery list. The afternoon was spent running errands (bank, grocery store, etc.) with a side trip to a few thrift stores. [I'll share my finds with you later in the week.]

For now, you can just look at the state of my craft desk and tell that I've been busy!!

Now, to get in there, clean it up, and get to work!! Of course, while I work I'll be thinking of the best way to organize my time. If any other crafters out there have a method to their madness, please share!!

I'll leave you with some Totally Random Tuesday links:

• This cooking by numbers site supposedly helps you come up with what to cook based on what you have on hand. I haven't tried it yet. But, I like those kind of tools when I'm stuck with NO IDEAS for dinner and a lack of desire to run to the grocery store. 
• For those of you with kids, check out this list of the top 5 search engines for kids.
• Think you're pretty good with geography? Try this game where you have to place the states on a map. 
• Lastly, check out this floor tiled with PENNIES. You heard me, tiled with pennies. It's very weird, but then so very cool.

The Internet Ate My Blog Post (TRT)

So I had a whole blog post written, pictures inserted, and EVERYTHING about how my bead sorting/craft room organization is coming along. . . and then it just DISAPPEARED!!! Seriously!!

Since I'm not in the mood for going through all of that again, I'll just give you the links I was gonna post for "Totally Random Tuesday"  and maybe try again tomorrow. Wish me luck!

• Have I mentioned my Grammar Correction Tendencies? Written statements like that make me cringe!!
• I've always loved Annie Leibovitz's photography and she's apparently taken some Disney-themed pictures with actual celebrities in them. Some are from 2007, while others are newer. In any case, they're really cool.
• Tetris dress = geeky by all means; but I WANT!!
• LOML and I are CONSTANTLY trying to open the front door to our house with our cars' key fobs. Now, here's a DIY front door Key Fob opener! Awesome!
• 886 palindromes, really!

Now, wasn't that random?

Rain Delay (TRT)

Don't you just love the rain?
You know - watching it from your window, listening to it on the roof, letting Mother Nature take over and moisturize the Earth. Yeah, me too.
UNTIL I get stuck driving in it or carrying sackfuls of groceries to the car in it.
Let's just say I had a bit of a rough spell after work.
I'm surprised at how positive I stayed throughout the day, despite the fact it was a Monday AND despite the fact the Mother Nature gave me her own monthly gift this morning. I was in a good good mood, a positively surprisingly upbeat mood.
UNTIL, I got stuck in the downpour. Then, my spirits started draining. My good mood started waning. My stamina DROPPED!

I made a promise to myself to work on the craft room (at least a tiny bit) each day. So, even with the energy of a three-toed sloth, I pulled out a few boxes of beads and began to sift through them. I'm finding it so very hard to decided what to keep and what to purge. How am I supposed to know what I MIGHT need/want at some point down the line? Almost every bead type I touch springs new ideas. I was eventually able to weed out a few beads, ones I know I'll never need. I really shouldn't have started with some of the 'newer' bead boxes. In any case, it's a start. And I accomplished something. It's an accomplishment damnit!!

In the next few days, I should start feeling like myself again and may be able to work on this with renewed vigor. For now, I'm taking it a little at a time. I don't want to go into "Bead-Loss Shock" or anything. Yeah, I made that up, but I bet it could totally exist, especially for us bead-a-holics.

Now for some more "Totally Random Tuesday" tidbits:

• In keeping with the theme of the day, here are 15 euphamisms for the time of the month (Ah, the joys of being a woman.)
• 20 types of art student - I wasn't an art student, but did go to a liberal arts college where there were quite a few art students, so I can relate somewhat. Now that I am crafty(ier), I find this entertaining/amusing.
• GAME - Red Remover- bit of a puzzle/physics game.
• These have been all over the place but are worth a looksee - Styrofoam coffee cup art. Cool!! The site has a link to the story and to the flickr set.

 Hopefully, I can be more productive after work today. Hopefully!

Silent Auction Jewelry (TRT)

I've done it again. Done and gotten my head wrapped up in the world of vampires and werewolves in Forks. Dangit. I spent ALL of last week re-reading the four Twilight books. Not because of the new movie, but because I felt like it. Plain and Simple. While the images of teenage vampires are still swirling in my head, I'm trying to re-enter reality. Forgive me.

I did promise to share some pictures of the jewelry pieces I created for the silent auction a few weeks ago. Here goes: (there are two pictures of each - the first is the display of the whole set and the second is a close up of the main piece.)

It's "Totally Random Tuesday" as well:

• This is more organization than anything - 5 best recipe managers.
  
• How cool is this apron with conversions on the bottom - BUT I like the DIY idea better for this or any kind of info you often need while in the kitchen: conversions, substitutions, basic recipes, etc.
• Since I played the violin for over 5 years, I find this a bit interesting. Is this the future of violins? This one is cool.
  
• Yet another game- this one is scrabble like. Use letters before they disappear. Be warned, the letters you use also disappear. If you like word games, this is a good one.
  
• Famous last meal requests (as provided by Wikipedia). I find this interesting. I've often try to figure out what I would ask for as a last meal and am not really sure. What about you? What would you request?

How'd you like the jewelry??

Working Through It (Halloween-style TRT)

"As soon as you're born, you start dying; so you might as well have a good time"

~lyrics from 'Sheep Go To Heaven by Cake

I try to remember these words when I start feeling down about what's going on around me. They help me remember that I'm the only one who can make a REAL difference in my life. Yes, they may be morbid; but that's kinda who I am. I need to remember to LIVE and HAVE FUN doing it before I'm all out of time.

You may have read my POOR ME post yesterday, and I want you to know I'm feeling a bit better about life now. I won't apologize or give excuses for yesterday, because that's how I was honestly feeling THEN.

While I'm not all better, I realize that it was just a day. A day to be thankful for, a day I got to experience, and a day from which I can learn.

Now, to get back to the business of LIVING. . .
Here's some "Totally Random Tuesday" Halloween-style:

• Here are some festive ways to "kill" time: quizzes, lists, etc for Halloween/horror movie fans.
  
• Check out this Halloween fantasy mask tutorial.
  
• These Bloody brain shooters look awfully gross, but I LOVE the ingredients and how they turn out. You totally want to drink that, don't you?
• Look for something to give you the creeps, check out these seven haunted objects. I've heard LOTS of stories about the first one.
  
• Make some eyeballs in a jar - Halloween tutorial.
  

You getting in the Halloween mood yet??

Question: What quotes motivate you?
To end this post, let me share one other that really sticks in my mind

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
~Dr. Seuss

Grocery Store Randomeness (TRT)

Do you ever pay attention to what other people are purchasing at the grocery store or take a long hard look at what's on your own list? Does it ever seem just WEIRD? I wonder what the cashiers think when I buy all the ingredients for a certain meal. Do they figure it out? Are they all 'I guess someone's having tacos tonight. . .' Do they see the mass amounts of chips and sodas you buy for a party and wonder what kind of party it is?

I stand behind people in line and do this constantly. I LOVE to watch what people buy: the elderly men with their cans of soup and box of quick grits; the mid-life ladies with all the organic fruits and yogurt; the soccer moms who have carts piled high with frozen pizzas, sugary cereals, juice boxes, and fruit roll-ups; and the ones who just ran in the store for a few things. THOSE are my favorite!! They're like puzzles. They're there just to purchase a little of this and a little of that. Wal-Mart is the best place to take a look at the purchases. LOML and I joke all the time about it. You can get an axe and a jumbo amount of toilet paper all in one place, at one time. And, most people won't look at you funny (I will, but I'm not most people.)

But, I've done it too. . .gone to pick up just a few items at Wal-Mart and realized that the list was just strange. My favorite was when my mom and I were out of town with the nieces. I needed some things and mama needed me to get some stuff for the girls. I know juice boxes were on the list and so was some other stuff that wasn't kid-related. But, the icing on the cake of that list was the little girl panties. I felt weird just buying them in correlation with the other items. You know- I felt like I was also buying candy and petroleum jelly. To clarify, I was NOT also buying those items, but I felt creepy just buying them.

Just recently at the dollar store, in front of me was a girl (about my age) buying feminine hygiene spray and denture adhesive and THAT'S ALL. Use your imagination, I've wracked mine for an explanation.

So, take a look sometime at what the people in front of you in line are buying at the store and see how weird it is. Let me know the weirdest combination you've bought or you've seen being bought.

Random enough for you? Ehhh, let's add to it with some "Totally Random Tuesday"

• Speaking of stuff to get at the store here are 5 must have tools for any kitchen.
• 
  
• Check out this guess the google game. Basically, you're shown 16 pictures (images), and you have to guess what the search term was. It runs a little slow, but is fun for word and search lovers like me.
  
• Learn how to slice and dice an onion like a pro.
  
• If you traval much or any at all, or even if you just live in a large city, this tool might be great for you. It help you find cheap parking in major cities and airports.

I really do want to know some of the craziest combinations of grocery store items you ever seen/bought. I know you pay attention too!!

Project Runway Ate My Homework (TRT)

I had full intentions of blogging last night. Yet, after making and eating dinner, I decided to catch up on the 3 hours of TiVoed Project Runway I missed on Thursday.

The evening was lost. The entire list of things I needed to get done was thrown out the window so I could devote my complete, full, and utter attention to the TV. How much of a fat ass does that make me? Instead of finishing up my meal plan for the week, I watched TV. Instead of browsing beautiful condos online for our Labor Day weekend getaway, I watched TV. Instead of crafting, I watched TV. Instead of blogging about it, I watched TV. So, it was a complete "to do list FAIL" of an evening.

To top it off, everything on the list was something I was gonna do ON MY ASS anyway, I just couldn't bear to pull my eyes away from the television long enough to look at something else (I've missed stuff on PR that way before.)

One thing was accomplished, I did get a good laugh out of myself - I realized that Tim Gunn's "Make it work" is just an older, gay man's "Get r done." He he he he! You may have already seen my tweet about that, but I think I'm a comic genius to come up with that little joke. Okay, maybe not a comic genius but a very funny girl nonetheless.

In order for me to feel as though I've accomplished SOMETHING else, let's get to some "Totally Random Tuesday" links and finish up this blog post:

• A paranoid's breakfast -
• With Tim Burton's new take on it upcoming, here's a look at the fashion of Alice in Wonderland through the years.
  
• Speaking of fashion, take a look at the zipper dress. Man, there are definitely parts of your body you don't want stuck in one of those zippers! However, it is absolutely a cool idea!
  
• Do you read the writing on the wall? You know, the public bathroom wall. . . I do!! I'm constantly laughing at some of the things that are written there, the bad grammar, mis-spellings, and the written 'fights' people have, In any case, here's some of the best bathroom wall graffiti.
  
• Lastly, the internet is currently overflowing with funny pie charts, bar graphs, and more that poke fun at just about anything. Here's a sampling of some fun with charts.
  

So, that's all for now. I need to get back to the list. Just by completing this task, I've really overlooked/ignored a few other to do items. Sigh! It never ends!

Without a Safety Net (TRT)

I’ve discovered a secret. . .to get LOML to clean the house, invite people over. It's as simple as that.
He’s planning on having a few old bandmates over tonight to go through some music and possibly work up to some gigs. As such, we want the house to be ‘presentable’ enough for other people. Usually, it’s just livable.

So, when I got home yesterday, I was pleased to discover that he had DUSTED (awesome since I have a severe dust allergy), cleaned the kitchen, picked up the living room, and was working on de-gunking the fish tank. After dinner, I cleaned the litter box and cleaned up the dinner stuff while he VACUUMED the living room and hallway.

I hate to say it, but there’s still so much that needs to be done around the house and I just can’t seem to find the time to do it. Lately it has seemed as though life is a balancing act of what needs to be done and what has to be done. I know I need to keep my house in order enough so that we don’t become sick, overwhelmed, over stressed, and just plain gross; but I have other interests that I want to pursue as well. After work, I run by the store for any food items we need, come home and cook, eat dinner, and spend time with the hubby before it’s off to bed. Squeezing some craft time time into that schedule is hard enough. And, then there’s blogging in the mix. I want to share my daily life, I want to share some tips, some funnies, etc and I even have more to share for my other blog than you could imagine, but just getting this one done is quite a task to say the least.

I wanna know how other working women handle it. Those with kids have it even harder, I know. Do you have some sort of schedule of what chores to complete on what days so that it doesn’t all pile up? Do you have a certain day of the week that you do it all? Do you just know what the most pressing tasks are to get done and do those only? Where do you find the energy? Where do you find the time?

So, my question to you is: How do you perform that high wire act where you juggle all the stuff, keep your balance, and still reach the other side? Was there a class in high school I missed? Maybe an after school program? Or even a secret club I should have joined? How did you learn this and how do I learn it too?? Help me please, I want to regain my life and my house. Is it possible?

*****Disclaimer- I do NOT live in filth. I just don’t do things like dust and vacuum on a regular basis. Dishes get cleaned and clothes get washed, but I have difficulty finding time for other household chores.*****

As if that wasn't random enough, here's some "Totally Random Tuesday" bits:

• Minas Tirith recreated in matchsticks. (It's a Lord of the rings thing for those of you who are not on the geek level with me.)
  
• Odd grocery specials
  
• Mis-spelled college ads
  
• 21 office supplies too awesome to exist (some NSFW) -
  
• Twitter- how to get unfollowed.

That's all for now. But, seriously, if you've got some cleaning/time management tips and tricks, please leave me a comment. I's love to be able to have a clean house and still enjoy other activities. HELP!!

Whew! Catching Up (TRT)

That was TOTALLY unintentional!! I had planned to blog but a whole host of other activities got in the way. I've been a busy girl:

First there was all the planning, shopping, packing, and driving to Grand Assembly in Birmingham. (Sorry Ben, I had NO free time to visit but would have loved to have seen y'all, trust me!!) Then there was the full weekend of Grand Assembly activities before heading home.

On the way home, I picked up half brother #2 (out of 3.) He and I got to pal around for two days (and go to the Harry Potter midnight showing) before the other two came for a visit. I also had the nieces that day. We had a blast and everyone got along so very well (see picture at top). Then brother #1 took #2 home while #3 got to stay for a few more days. Then, it was back to Verbena to take him home and a frantic drive back to Fairhope so I could have Margarita Friday with LOML.

The weekend was spent making gumbo with my mom and then a pool party at Wigenout's house for a Mobile Al Tweetup. Yes, it was a bunch of people who twitter relaxing in the pool and grilling out (that was before we started playing Rock Band.) Sunday was a complete day with LOML at last: brunch, the beach, dinner and beers, then another showing of Harry Potter (he hadn't seen it yet.)

It was back to the grind yesterday. And, I'm trying to get back in a routine today.Through all of that, I was as crafty as I could be: I made some handmade gifts for Grand Assembly and crafted at the beach the other day. Hopefully, I'll get back in the swing of that as soon as I can get the craft room in order. I'm a little scared of it right now. REALLY!
It's "Totally Random Tuesday" so here's some of the internet I found interesting:

• creative puns for smart minds
  
• Daily routines of writers, artists, and other interesting people. I don't know why I find this so interesting. I guess it helps me see these individuals as just regular people too, not just superstars
  
• cat going to the moon

Okay, so that's long enough. I just NEED to get this posted. I'll be back ASAP.