Review of Week 1 Goals for 2016

I shared with you my goals for the year, so I thought I'd share how the first week went.

I counted this past week (the 3rd - 9th) as the first week of 2016 because it just didn't seem reasonable to try to cram a week's worth of goals into two days.

I used my bullet journal to write out a reminder of what I wanted to accomplish. I'm proud to say I was able to check off everything on the list!

The voice recording goal for the week was actually started the week before. I was pretty sure I had figured it out, but the real task was putting it into action in one of my videos. Alas, I have yet to upload that particular video because my internet is painfully slow, and I have to finish uploading all the other ones first. But, I figured it out nonetheless. I will admit that I'm not completely happy with the recording because I was so nervous, I don't sound like myself much in it. I'll work on that!

The altered card came together quickly. I added bits and pieces found on my desk to a card I had already painted (using up some paint that was left from another project,) A few stencils, a sticker, the rose image, and a border completed the card.

I really had to force myself to get this necklace made before the week ran out. I'll admit that I only completed it yesterday morning. But, I did wear it to a brunch party just a few hours later. I think it turned out really lovely.

I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to push myself to get not one, but two blog posts up this past week. The Crackle clothes pin magnet one was the one I aimed for, but I was also able to show off my Christmas gifts too!

I even got an art journal page complete. In fact, it was one of the first goals I was able to check off the list. I decided beforehand to journal my word for the year. Having a direction really helped me finish up this page. I'm not real sure what I'll do for this week yet, but another specific direction might help. I'll think on it.

This upcoming week promises to be difficult. My Mardi Gras Ball is Saturday, and the bulk of the week is set aside for preparing for it. However, I did take a few moments this morning to write out this week's goals.

I'll admit that some of these may end up being 'cheats' because I will be short on time. I've pretty much already started the blog calendar - just need to get it into shape a little more. I'll probably do some earrings for the jewelry design- quick and easy. And, this post can count as my blog post for the week if necessary. It's the altered card and journal page that have me a little worried. I'll figure it out though hopefully.

Oh, and I'm totally helping with the National Championship game tomorrow. I've got my lucky beer bought, I'll wear crimson all day, and I'll make myself hoarse yelling at the television. I'm ready! ROLL TIDE!

So, after this first week of 2016, how are your goals looking?

I Don't Believe I Was THAT Good | Christmas Gifts

Let me start this post by saying that I'm not sharing this list to boast or brag. I just want to share how well my family knows me. . .even better than I do sometimes, and get some input from you.

I was completely spoiled and surprised this Christmas with the gifts I received and just want to share what was under the tree. It's a reverse wishlist if you will. As well, I'd love your input on how best to use some of the gifts. Let's start with the big ones.

Pat got me a blue FitBit Charge HR. I did ask for one specifically but wasn't sure he would get it (I gave him plenty of options for things to get me.) I really didn't do much research on them, I just knew that I wanted something on me to help me know if/how much exercise I was getting in a day. A good friend had already done the research and recommended this model, so that helped me out a ton. Apparently we can be friends on it too, so if you want to be mine, here's the link to me.

What Pat really surprised me with was this Silhouette Cameo with a vinyl starter kit. It wasn't on the list and wasn't something I was expecting at all. Of course, I'm not complaining by any means. This baby is pretty sweet. I can do those cool vinyl labels/decoration, cut paper shapes, make stencils. . .there's even a sketch ability if you have the pens. Oh, boy! The options are endless. I've played with it a little, but am just a little overwhelmed with all it can do. I can't decide where to start. What would you make with it?

He clued his sister in on my gift and she gave me even more options with a pack of glow in the dark sticker paper, printable tattoo paper, printable adhesive kraft paper, and some stencil material. Told you I was a little spoiled.

My biggest surprise of Christmas came at my mom's house. . .

The family got me a KitchenAid Stand Mixer!!!! I've been wanting one for years and years but wouldn't let Pat get it for me as a gift because I felt that he would benefit from it too much. I've already made two kinds of cookies and waffles with it. I love it so!

There were also some smaller gifts scattered in there that also rocked. . .

get it. . .rocked

My brother-in-law and niece gifted me with these sets of gemstones. I can't wait to figure out how to work them into some jewelry!

Another niece gave me Alabama salt and pepper shakers. . .ROLL TIDE!

My sister-in-law also gave Pat and me these bracelets. Poor Pat, his braided leather one was too small, and I had to relieve him of it. What a shame. Let me be the first to admit that I've never been a big bracelet wearer. I love how they look on other people, and I enjoy making them. I just hadn't found any that I felt comfortable wearing for long (other than the friendship ones we made in middle school). These two have barely left my wrist (the one without the fitbit) since we got them.

I received numerous other wonderful presents, but really the best present of the whole season was getting to enjoy time with our families. I really am blessed beyond measure.

Now, I want to know a few things from you. . .

What did YOU get for Christmas?

How would you use the cameo?

What mixer recipes do you recommend? (I'm looking for any excuse to use that bad boy!)

Whether or not you got anything spectacular, I do hope you got to spend time with those you love too. It really is the best part.

Crackle Clothes Pin Magnets | DIY

A few months ago, I moved into a new space at Southern Antiques and Accents. The new one is more vertical, and I didn't have many ways to add height to my display. The revelation that the tin on the back of the shelves is magnetic was just the inspiration I needed.

The shop's owner suggested some kind of clip. It didn't take me long to come up with this idea. (I apologize for the darkness of the photos.)

Start with plain ole wooden clothes pins.

Place your clothes pins in a small box, making sure all holes are covered. Gather spray inks.

Spray the pins with one or two of the inks.

Use a paper towel to spread the ink over the pins.

Cover the pins with a thin layer of gesso and allow it to dry.

Coat the front/top of the clothes pins with Distress crackle.

Give the crackle plenty of time to dry to reveal the cracks.

Using a cosmetic sponge, blot ink from an ink pad into the cracks.

Again, make sure the crackle paint is dry or you could have the smudgy disaster in the bottom pin.

With E6000 glue, adhere button magnets to the back of the crackled pins.

Let them dry, and stick them up wherever needed. 

Here's how mine ended up looking in one of the spots of the booth.

And, because I do love me some crackle. . .

And, because I can't be crafty without making a mess. . .

You may not have a booth, but these would work well on your fridge, in a locker, on a magnetic bulletin board, or anywhere you can get a magnet to stick.

If you want to see them in person, head over to Southern Antiques and Accents in Fairhope. If you won't be in Fairhope anytime soon, make sure to like the Southern Antiques and Accents Facebook Page to keep up with what's new there. 

2016 Word of the Year and Goals

It's a whole new year full of new expectations and goals and possibilities!!

With a new year comes the want/need/desire to better ourselves in some way. I have some ideas of what I want for 2016 but they are the same things I want every day. As I mentioned in my 2015 year end review, I set about 2015 wanting to focus on several words to achieve the goal of empowerment. This year, while I still have much I want to accomplish, I want to make sure I take the time to SAVOR life and all that comes with it. Instead of several words that will eventually be forgotten along the way, this singe word will hopefully be my beacon for 2016. I've read so many snippets of articles about savoring food rather than binge-eating, appreciating small moments, enjoying the time you have with people. I think that's the focus I want to have for the year. But, I'm sure at some point I will get lost in the chaos of American life. It is our way.

In addition to savoring life (see. . .I'm already making things more complicated), I hope to set single weekly goals for myself. I don't yet have a list of 52 goals as I'm sure these will develop over time but some of the ones I have so far include:

• create/start a blog calendar
• use cameo to create earring backs/jewelry cards
• learn to use my camera
• learn to sew (take a class of some sort)
• re-organize/update my blog
• how to voice-over a video
• learn more about options on youtube
• Start using periscope
• make a intro for youtube
• make a welcome message/video for youtube
• cut leather on the laser cutter
• saw-cut metal into shapes

I think that's a pretty reasonable start.

And then there's this - Lately, I felt that I come to the end of a week and have accomplished nothing at all. To rid myself of that feeling, I want to push myself to complete some specific tasks each week: 

**get at least one piece of jewelry made

**get at least one blog post up

**complete one of the weekly goals above

**have one journal entry (art journal or written entry)

**make one altered playing card (there are 52 cards in a deck and 52 weeks in the year and this small scale feels less intimidating than larger mediums.)

Of course, my health, well-being, better eating, organization, and clean house are also recurring goals for me. But, I think about these things all day long. I need no goals to remember and guilt myself into doing them.

This post is already too long and complicated-sounding - when really I just want to simplify things for myself. I hope to take these goals day by day and week by week without putting too much pressure on myself. Wish me luck! 

What are your aspirations for 2016? 

2015 Year End Review

I could say, "where has the year gone?" However, it's not quite over yet now is it? We have this one last day to accomplish all those goals, resolutions, and other unrealistic aspirations we set for ourselves a year ago. Ehhhh, yeah. . .one day's not going to do it for me. How about you?

What is it about New Year's Eve? It feels like both an ending and a beginning. (you know like how Sundays feel like the end of the week when they are really the beginning . . .or maybe the opposite of that.)

Before I get more philosophical and start worrying with what I want to accomplish in 2016, let's talk about 2015 first and close out this year.

Let's start with what posts were most popular each month this year.

January

Muffin Tin Jewelry Challenge Reveal

February

Creative Spark Winter 2015 Reveal

March

Reveal of My Shipwreck Dandy Destash Box

April

Journaling by 5s (Inspired by Shannon Green)

May

Happy Mail to the Max

June

Oh, the Excuses Just Keep Rolling In

July

(this was the ONLY post this month. Oops)

There were no images, just a video as I was suffering with vision issues.

Complications and Keeping Busy

August

Creative Spark Summer 2015 Contribution and Other News

September

Our New Home | The Beginning

October

Our New Home | Pool and Property

November

DIY Chalkboard with Mirror Tutorial

December

(the only post this month, other than this one!)

A Quick Catch up for December 2015

Big events for the year:

• Got a booth at a local antique store
• Bought a new house
• Lost several family members and dear family friends
• Turned 40
• Have felt just completely lost in my head most of the time
• And SO much more

2015's Words for the Year
Once again, I tried to set some goals for the year in some manner. Here's the picture I created to illustrate my intent.

As far as how I did. . .the new house and all that definitely distracted me from my aims.
I definitely felt more grateful this year and tried to remind myself often how blessed I am.
I'm not sure that I was very courageous, but I did take some steps in that direction.
Staying focused really did not happen much at all. Nope.
I can't say that I was very confident either. That's definitely one I want to continue to work on.
My creativity didn't really seem to fluctuate at all. Pushing on. . .
In all, I had hoped that the above words would help me empower myself. But, I dropped the ball.

2015 will forever be the year that we bought our "forever home." We searched for it on weekends, struggled to get the price and inspections where they needed to be, packed and prepped for the move, and began to settle in. I'm sure the coming year holds even more unexpected and happy surprises.

And now, it's time to roll in the new year in style. . .Roll Tide Roll!

How did 2015 treat you?
Have a happy, wonderful, and safe evening as you welcome in 2016.

A Quick Catch-up for December 2015

I have absolutely no excuse. Let's say the chaos of the holidays has just gotten in the way. Let me quickly share some of the happenings around here in picture & caption form, then I'll be caught up and can get back to the business of blogging. Sound good? Let's go. . .

Fall finally came to the Gulf Coast, if only briefly.

Though we've discovered lots of stuff on the property, these kumquats were still a happy surprise.

For the first time in about ten years, we got a Christmas tree!

Both of the cats found that they liked the tree too. That was fortunate!

I traveled with my nieces to Auburn, AL for South's BEST regional robotics competition. And, their little Catholic school fared fairly well in the competition. YAY St. Vincent de Paul!

After I got back from Auburn, Pat had to head up to New York for work. He left me in charge of cleaning the pool each morning. As I went out there one of the mornings, I realized this guy was caught in the trap that had been left out for the armadillo that's been tearing up the yard. After some phone calls and texts to Pat and a couple of anxious hours, the little possum made his way out of the trap.

I've gotten very little creative work done lately except for a couple of art swaps and a few resin pendants. I was stricken by the colors on this piece of deli paper I was using as a palette.

Though this fall and winter have been way warmer than usual, we have had a few cooler days here and there. We were invited to a friends to enjoy a pot luck and bonfire. Fortunately, it was one of those rare cold evenings.

The nieces came over for a few days this week and we made some easy Christmas treats. They were so, so easy!

It's been rainy and overcast here for DAYS upon days. Taking a walk around the property, I discovered more varieties of mushrooms than I even knew existed. It was amazing.

There's been all that and more going on the past several weeks. I do apologize for my absence and hope to be getting back on the ball. The end of the year is near, and each new day is a new start.

I had a wonderful Christmas yesterday and am looking forward to second Christmas with my in-laws tomorrow. How have the holidays been treating you?