My "One Little Word"

I'm so ready to take on a new year!! There are so many things I'm planning...doing, changing, being, creating, and the list goes on and on. I feel the need to shed this old skin and begin a new. Thing is, my new year started a couple of months ago, I truly believe change begins the moment you think it. The moment you meditate on making a change in your life, that's the moment that change begin..Action is the key to change. No one can expect something different from doing the same ole thing, you MUST do something different to gain a new result.


From moment to moment, day to day our lives change; season's change; people change...this statement came to mind and I initially thought of choosing the word "Change". However, something spoke to me saying, "that's not it". Late one Monday night, while lying in bed it struck me.."READY"


That's my word..


There are so many things that transpire in life, that sometimes life itself can get the best of you. Often times we can get so wrapped up in the things of this world, and it can cause you to lose focus on what's really important/valuable (keep) and what's not (trash). It's important to know who you are in Christ, not to let the actions of other's cloud your mind and drain you of your energy..that's not of God. Be ready at all times, live "this" life to the fullest, be equipped, be willing to let go...

Ready (adjective) read∙y [re´ddee]

Meaning:

1. Prepared for something



2. Finished and available for use



3. On point of doing something



4. Willing to do something



5. Quickly produced



6. Prepared in advance



7. Intelligent

Key words: prepared, set, all set, complete, standing by, geared up, equipped, organized, arranged, willing, game, eager, keen, glad

All of the above explains my mode, but mostly, I am equipped by God and eager to start.

Also remember, when starting fresh or starting over with anything in life, you don't have to wait until the first of the year. A new start begins with the mindset to do better, to go forth. If anyone or anything is hindering you from going forth, I suggest you unleash it and move on..going backwards or standing still is not an option in my life.

**One Little Word was acquired from the wonderful blog of Ali Edwards**

Do what it takes in order to have a wonderful and blessed new year!

Thank You...Mojo Challenge

What better way to end the year with getting my mojo sturring with a card challenge ^_^

I somehow got a bit of kilter from participating in papercrafting challenges, and I really want to hop back in..so here we go.

How about starting with one of my favorite challenge blogs.

The Sketch:


My card: This was such a simple and sweet card to create. And I so love this stamp, I purchased it from Michael's for a buck and I adore it so much that I plan on purchasing another one. The second one I plan on removing the rubber base and trim it down to be used as a cling on so I can use it a bit differently.

To create this card I used PTI cardstock in Vintage Cream, Ripe Avocado and Lavendar Moon. I stamped my image with Versamark's watermark ink. The embellishments used were, pink sheer ribbon, lace, pearls and floral embellishment by Recollections and Tim Holtz distressed inks in walnut stain and antique linen. I also used a bit of Stickles in Star Dust on the polymer type rose. The edges of the card and the sentiment were distressed with antique linen ink. I also distressed the edges of the lavendar moon cardstock with my TH distresser. My distresser is one of the best tools I've ever purchased. That's a tool that I could stand to have two of, just in case they decide to stop selling it in the future..I love that little tool:)

I hope to get a lot more of my creations posted in days to come. In the meantime...

Happy Crafting!

Perfectly Chocolate

For Thanksgiving my hubster asked me to bake him a double chocolate cake. He's not big on the sweets or cake, but he loves chocolate, and for him to want a cake so badly of course I had to bake him one. His specifications were, 3 layers of chocolate cake, with ooey gooey chocolate icing. Well, I've never baked a double chocolate cake before, I've only baked a pound cake with chocolate icing. I knew I needed to find a recipe that would not fail me..first I searched none other than The Pioneer woman (of course), then I though...Hershey's Chocolate..lemme see if they have a recipe site.

Let me tell yall!!! This cake was gone in a day and a half. Everyone loved it

Now, dont look at the chocolate on the cake plate, I did not do my usual wax paper on the base to keep the icing off the plate. And yes my cake is lumpsided..LMBO!! I failed to shake the batter in two of the pans...Ok now let's get back to this chocolatE goodness.

The other day Don mentioned, "I sure could go for a slice of the double chocolate cake right now".."you need anything from the store":) That was my hint to get baking.

I baked the cake and I also made one of his favorite quick pasta dishes..all before he made it home from work. This man walks in the door, took a peek at the dish on the stove, then notice the mixer..turns and see "his" cake. He ate cake before he had his dinner!! LOL

This is THE easiest and quickest cake to ever bake and it's totally yummmOOO!

"PERFECTLY" Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

The Method:

*Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
*Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in large bowl. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.
* Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.

**PLEASE VISIT THE SITE FOR OTHER BAKING OPTIONS FOR THIS CAKE**

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

2/3 cup HERSHEY'S Cocoa

3 cups powdered sugar

1/3 cup milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency.Add small amount additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 cups frosting.

Happy Baking!

Joy--A Quick Holiday Card

I created this quick card to give out at my office for the holidays. Well, quick as I could assembly line stamp and distress the edges make them, that was the most time consuming part. *laughing* I actually almost went out and purchased a box of cards to give out to everyone this year. I ended up just deciding to narrow down my mailing list this year, I'll pick it back up next year.
This card was created by cutting a A2 card base, then cutting the desired sized mats for my layers. Stamping the music and the sentiment on the top layer, then adhere both the green and cream cardstock together. I cut the mini stars using my cricut and stamped "joy" on each and attached them with Making Memories garment pins. The mini jingle bell used (I hate you can't see it in this pic) was strung with hemp (which is usually used for jewerly making). From there, lace and ribbon and that was it.

Such a quick and cute holiday card for the staff, just what you need when you're crunched for time, and everyone loved it.

Happy Holidays!!

Do You Bargain Shop??

I think most of you know by now that I love to go thrift/estate/garage/consignment shopping. I've been "Thrifting" I think now for about eleven years, with minor breaks in between. I shop estate sales, garage sales, thrift stores, anywhere there's a real sale I'm there.

I don't know if it's the surprise of finding a deal or if it's just a thrill all together, however, I love to go thrift shopping.

This night stand is a piece I found at my favorite local thrift store about a month ago. I scored this little beauty for $12. I was planning on using it in our soon to be guest bedroom...well Mr. Aaron was so in love with it he want it for his room. So after the holidays, this little knick free beauty will be sanded and stained to match his Armoire. And of course I will post and update of this when it's complete.

This panel I purchased from a local hardware store. I often do a early morning before work pop in at Lowe's just to see what's been placed on sale/clearance the night before. I used to do real good on purchasing what they call "oops paint"..that's when paint has been returned and they change the color of it so the original purchaser won't come back and repurchase it for the marked down cost of a whole whopping 5bucks (run on sentence I know:).

Anyway, this is what the panel looks like..

I love love love it!! So soft and crisp...well when I iron it, it'll be crisp:) As much as I love the white, and this panel is a beautiful thing to me, there's no way I would have paid $24.97 for ONE panel. But I'm very happy I found this on the shelf, only thing, I wish they had two, but I'll make one work.

Now, this beauty right here....

Oh how I L.O.V.E this table! Yes, it has a few scratches, but nothing that I can't work with. I paid a whole $9.98 for this end table. Now this table will be used in our guest bedroom..I think:) Who know's exactly where I'll place it. I will possibly sand it a bit and restain it, or I could do a distress with paint..not sure yet. But what I am sure of is I love this piece and I'm so happy I found it.

When I go thrifting, I also usually find great dress shirts for Aaron and jackets and such for me and Don. I've purchased so many items, that once I asked the hubster where he got the sweater shirt from he had on..didn't recognize it as one I'd purchased..plus I thought it was new..oops:)

If you have not given thrifting or even consignment shopping a try, I suggest that you do. Grab your local yellow pages and rip out the pages with consignment shops on it and go looking to get a feel for it. Don't like a store, then mark it off the list and move on to the next one. Check out your local newspaper on a Thursday or Friday and thumb through the garage/estate sales section and then check them out come sunrise that Friday-Saturday. You will be amazed at the great pieces people put up for sale.

Happy Shopping!! Maybe, I'll seeya there;)

Inspiration Boards

How many of you create inspiration boards? I think they are really great, whether you have a studio or a section in your home to craft, there's always room for some form of a inspiration board.

No matter your craft; displaying pictures, words, colors, and even some of your own work helps promote creativity. I tend to gain inspiration from a number of things, mostly nature itself. While driving, I've had Aaron to take a picture of something..trees, the sky, a sign, what ever has caught my eye. There are inspiring factors in everything. Take the time to admire what God has given us in nature, you will be amazed at what will inspire you to create.

Below, is my inspiration board, I've already cleared it from all the stuff I had on it for 2011. It's time to start new for the upcoming year.

On my board I usually have faith based words or saying, power words, fabric swatches, home decor/remodling, sewing, scrapbooking and even crocheted items posted. Regardless if I get to accomplish the posted item or not, I post it and try to work toward it. Often, I may even replace a picture or what ever the item is with a new one that I like better.

Below is my smaller inspiration board, this one is just for accessories.
Though this board is almost completely full, I will not be removing any of these items. However, I will be adding to it. These items will either be made or purchased...I've really got to get back into beading. I have a necklace and bracelet I really want to make soon, so yea, I really need to get started.

I also plan on recovering this board with a different fabric. I only used this fabric because it was a reminate I had left over from a previous project...I'm certain this will become a throw pillow or something.

Now, be mindful that inspiration boards don't have to be a wall hung board at all. Just a few ideas on how you can create your own, especially if your space is limited:

• Purchase a piece of cork and a sizeable picture frame (or create your own..that may be a later post) and a frame holder. Remove the glass front of your frame, insert the cork and begin posting your inspired pictures, etc. This way it can sit on your desk top and can be put away when need be. Also, if you have a Ross or TJMaxx in your area, you will surely find some very pretty frame holders there to use (personally, I'm addicted to them).


• Use folders, there are some very pretty pre-decorated folders out there to be used. Tape your pictures, write words, use markers to create colors inside your folder and even label each folder to fit your craft of choice. Once you begin working, pull out the desired folder and place it on your frame holder on your work station.


• If you do have wall space, yet want a smaller scale inspiration board, why not check your local thrift store for a nice large picture frame. With this you can either purchase a cork backing or keep the cardboard backing. Take note of any imperfections on the frame, repair those, paint it if desired. Now with the cardboard backing, you have two options: 1. Depending on the thickness of the cardboard, paint it and use it that way or 2. Cover it using pretty wall paper or wrapping paper.


• Two non-board methods: 1. If you have a filing cabinet or any type of sizable metal cabinetry, it's very easy to just create a vision board per se by using small creative magnets to hold what inspires you. 2. Make your non-board by clipping various pictures by using fishing thread. Purchase two wall clips (you know the wall safe clips you use to hold pictures without punching a nail hole in the wall) Secure the fishing line between the two clips then attach your pictures to the line...just like hanging clothes out to dry...like I really know anything about that:)

As you can see the possibilities of creating an inspiration board are endless. Also, the cost is very minimal. My accessory board is a piece of ceiling tile left over from replacing a tile in my studio. I used fabric left over from a pevious project to cover it and stapled it to the back, added a picture hook and there you have it. The extra large inspiration board was a freebie, my husband painted a office and the owner was throwing it out..SCORE!! I painted the frame of it black to match my work desk (as it was silver when he brought it home).

And there you have it! Be inspired by all you see and post that inspiration where you can see it daily, so that it helps encourage you to continue on this wonderful journey we call our hobby.

Happy Crafting!

I'm Still here...

Buried under this pile of stuff...

Happy Crafting!