Monday, December 19, 2016

Merry Christmas....a quick look at the journey

So this week I will be focusing on the reason for the season with my family!  But before the festivities begin, I wanted to give you a quick update.

This past week was a struggle.  Too many holiday gatherings that had food.  The result?  I lost only 1 pound.  Figured I would gain this week, but thankfully didn't.

Now this week I don't have as many gatherings...only one with my staff so I hope the week I will hit my 2 lb a week goal.  We'll see.

So I hope to see everyone after Christmas day.  I pray you will have safe and wonderful Christmas.  

Merry Christmas!
-Samantha



Saturday, December 17, 2016

Those Dreaded Men Cards Part 2

Here is another card I am going to be sending on my swap.  Isn't this so cute?  I was inspired by this pin on Pinterest.  I modified it a bit.  But I love this card.  The monocle, mustache, and the sentiment were all created by my Cricut using design space images.  I added the googly eyes.  The patterned paper is from the same paper pad I used before by Recollections.

This literally took me about 2 minutes to make once the images were cut.

Very simple!

I am entering this card into:
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper December 2016 Challenge

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

The Journey Continues

Another 4 lbs lighter!  Woot, woot!!!

Now I am down to 217lbs.  This was a really good week.  Only one unplanned meal.  I still didn't choose wisely for that unplanned meal.  What made the difference though is I had lots of bonus points left.  I had a couple of days I stayed within my daily points value without using any of my bonus points.  I am also for the most part, not getting hungry between meals which is always good.  I make sure I take a few healthy snacks in case that does happen.  Usually a fruit and a veggie so that I am not racking up the points but I am taking care of the need for something.

Goals for this week is still to work on the water.  I know this one will be better with a change at work coming up in the New Year, but still want to make sure I am getting in some water everyday.  (I really don't like water..)  Also, I want to make sure I walk at least once this week.  I am feeling better so want to start slowly increasing some activity as well.

How is your goals going?  Have you started planning your goals for next year?

Sunday, December 11, 2016

Those Dreaded Cards for Men

So I have joined quite a few swap groups via Facebook.  It has been loads of fun trying my hand a new things like pocket letters, flip books, loaded flip bags.  I love getting to know a little bit about my fellow crafters out there.  It also gives me the flexibility of joining as many or as few swaps as I think I can handle each month.  Not to mention the inspiration....there are some amazing talents out there.

I am currently taking a break from all that.  With the Christmas coming, I knew there would be some handmade projects I would want to tackle so I decided to take a break.

That being said, there was one personal swap that kept getting bumped.  Since somethings in my life have been a bit stressful I just kept putting it off.  There was no actual date so it finally worked out where I had a moment to breathe and put something together for this person.

She will be sending me some, I am sure amazing embellishments, while I am sending her 6 cards that would be perfect for men.  

Now, I don't know about you but if you are a papercrafter, this is the area that a lot of us struggle with.  Bring on the flowers and the You go for it girl sentiments...we are in our element.  Trying to come up with something handmade a man would enjoy in a card form though can seem daunting...heck it is daunting.  I struggle each year for Father's day as well as my husband's birthday.  I get it ....cards for men are hard.

But, I was up for the challenge.  I went to my favorite place for inspiration...Pintrest.  How did you guess?

So over the next bit I will be sharing with you these 6 cards I made just for this swap.  It was fun.  I loved how they turned out.  So get out your die cutting machines, paper, stamps, etc.  Dive in, I know you can do it too!
Here is card #1.  I got out my trusty Cricut machine to put this one together.  I started out with a A2 card base in creme.  I then added some super cute patterned paper by Recollections.  This 6 x 6 paper pad I used throughout these cards.  The paper has a travel theme, but are the perfect shades for cards for men.

The vest and tie was from Cricut's design space.  I layered on the tie, buttons, and the pocket.  To make sure I had the correct color scheme I printed this as a print and cut.  The Happy Birthday sentiment was written by my Cricut using the font babycakes.  I then in the lower left just added a enamel dot I made with those perler beads you see everywhere.

Didn't take too long...the biggest obstacle is getting the computer for a few minutes from my 7 year old because he was playing on it.

I am entering this into CAS(E) this Sketch's #201 sketch as it was the inspiration for the sketch.  I love that challenge blog because the sketch's are really my style, simple.  You can see the other entry's for this challenge here.

Here is a copy of the sketch:

Hope you all have a great week!

Friday, December 9, 2016

Snowy Scene....

 So I have been doing random crafty projects instead of getting my Christmas cards done.  Procrastination at its finest.  I  don't know why I am not into the Christmas cards, but so far they aren't getting done.

Instead a couple of cute things I came up with on my own did happen.  This cute snowy scene being one of them.  

My hubby got something in this cute little tin.  After he used up the product, he gave it to me saying this looked like something I would store something in or make something.  He was right.  ðŸ˜œ  Do you have friends/loved ones that save this type of thing for you because they know you craft?  Isn't it the best feeling when they do?  

So the inspiration came for this once I bought the wooden trees out of the Target dollar spot.  I thought wouldn't it be cool to make a scene in this container?  The trees and the snowflake sequins I also got out of the Target dollar spot really made this come together.  I printed out the background from my printer and had the Cricut cut out the perfect 2 1/2 inch circle.  I then used some shapes from Design Space along with the slice/weld application to create the house with snow banks.  The best part is I did this and it fit the container on the first try!  That like never happens.  Of course, measuring first is what made that work.  I hate measuring...I am more of a wing it type of person.


It turned out pretty good right?  I did add a magnet to the back of this to hang on my refrigerator because I wanted to be able to see it all season.

Now my next project was inspired by the multiple cool projects I see Brittnay Pochick.  Here is where you can see her channel.  She makes the coolest badge holders for her craft fairs.  I saw the ones from Halloween and thought they were super cute.  Being a nurse you can never have too many badge holders.  So since I had a package of plain ones I got from the dollar tree last year I decided to bling one up for the Holiday.

 Here is the one i completed last night.  I used some gem ribbon from Dollar Tree in gold.  I glued that around the outside edge.  I then used some of those wooden trees and a snowflake sequin again and glued that to the front.  Very simple and easy to make.  I plan on wearing this throughout the holiday season.  

What are you up to this Holiday crafting season?




Monday, December 5, 2016

Slow and Steady

Let's do a review of the week.  I lost 1lb!  Woohoo!  I will take it.  

This last week was a struggle for several reasons.  The main reason would be I didn't do a lot of my own cooking.  When going out for a meal whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner means I don't do as well with my points.  If it's a meal I have planned to eat out, I do much better.  When that happens, I have the place picked out as well as the meal.  Then I stay within my point system.

So there were several days where counting points went out the window by the evening meal because we ate out, I was not prepared, and wasn't sure what kind of points I was eating due to that.  But the good news is was I didn't eat till I was full like I used to.  If i ate till I felt full, that means I over ate because about 20 minutes after I stop I would be miserable.  I did when eating out looked at the serving.  I then made a conscious effort to make it a real serving not an oversized one.  Though that means I threw food away, I am glad I didn't eat like I used to till the plate was cleaned.

My water intake still isn't where it needs to be, so I will still work on that.  My other goal for the week is to plan my meals.  Also, stick to those planned meals.  

Craft related goals is getting those Christmas cards made.  I know what I want to do but still haven't gotten started on getting those cards.  I hope this doesn't end up being another year with no Christmas cards.  

What goals do you have set this week?

Your Kindness Warms my Heart


Searching through card challenges...to keep from working on those Christmas cards I need to do.  I found the Sweet Curtain Call Challenge.   

I was inspired by that cute drink with the yummy marshmallow gingerbread man.  See the picture to the right.

See?  Adorable.  So I set out to see what I could come up with.  

Now I have periods of wonderful inspiration that brings a card sketch to mind and off  I go.  Not so much this time.  Instead, I turn to Pintrest.  I think I am the only one who actually tries out some of their pins.  Now I have more pins than I will actually ever get to this lifetime in reality, but I do actually try some of those recipes, those cute cards or crafts, and in this case I did use a card sketch.  Here it is if you are dying to see.

I began with the coffee cup with the steam in the shape of a heart.  This is a digital stamp from Prettygrafik design I believe.  I colored it in with my copics.  I cut out the digital stamp and the window over it with my Cricut.  The patterned paper for the Polaroid looking square cut is from Polkadoodles Baked with Love digital collection.  Both of these were purchased from Etsy.  The kraft paper with gold snowflakes I cut from the pad I got from Target's Dollar Spot by American Crafts.  I then set my Cricut to write out the sentiment.  I added a bit of green twine, then set it all on a A2 card made with Neena white cardstock.

Here's another view of the card: 
I am linking this to the Curtain Call Challenge "Sweet".

Friday, December 2, 2016

Advent Needed....Cricut to the Rescue

Well, with moving several times since my son has been born means you loose things.  Like the advent calendar.  It has been a tradition to countdown the days to Christmas.

To the rescue comes Pinterest and my Cricut.  Here is the pin that was the inspiration.  So I started by looking through Cricut Design Space till I found this cute little guy. 

It was very simple to put together.  I cut the layers out.  Glued those layer together.  Then,I just cut out 24 circles that were about a half inch.  I wrote the numbers on.  Bam! Done in about 30 minutes.   Now every night a cotton ball will be added to his beard.  

Problem solved.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Post Thanksgiving...Let's Weigh In

Well, the turkey came and went.  In my case, it was a roasted chicken.  So you want to know how I handled one of the big days for those who are watching their portions, etc.?

I pretty much ate a very small breakfast and didn't count points the rest of the day.  That led to two things.  No weight loss for this week and yesterday when I stopped counting points as well. 😆

So no weight loss for me this week.  However, time to get back on the wagon.  It's time to make some serious changes the next few weeks till that other Holiday shows up.....

That is what I  love about weight watchers.  It's forgiving and each day you start out with a new set of points to begin again with.  So, I am renewed.  Each time I feel I want that cookie I will just remember no weight loss is what happens when you stop counting points.

On a positive note, I didn't stuff myself till I was over full.  Which I usually do on these type of occasions.  I also stuck with one serving of each thing instead of going back for some more stuffing because it tasted so great.  So that is what I am counting as a win for this week.

Here's to the next week being successful!

Anybody got any great recipes that is low on points but filling?  I am always looking for something new to try.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Oh What Fun

It was time to bring out the digital stamps and some goodies to make a nice Winter themed card.


So I looked through my digital stamps till I found this cutie. The image I purchased from Etsy from Prettygrafikdesign.  I think this little girls looks like she is having the best time.  I used Design Space to add her to this cool tag then colored her in using my Copic markers.  I get a bit lost on shading but I try to do some here and there.  I also still color outside the lines...it is a skill I have yet to master since kindergarten. 

 I used some different inks with a circle mask to make the circle background.  The color combo for this was Bermuda Bay by Stampin' Up, Tumbled Glass, and Peacock Feathers from Tim Holtz' Distress Ink line.  I just sponged those colors in to make the circle to help draw the eye to the cute girl sledding. 

The banner with the sentiment I made again in Design Space and the snowflake came from there as well.  I popped everything up on some foam tape.  I added some gems, ribbon, and twine....ta..da...total cuteness!

I am entering this card into:  Inspiration Destination's Anything Goes #113
Crafty Catz Challenge #348 Anything Goes with Optional Twist which is Christmas Tags

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Let's Get Crafty...to Begin the Christmas Season

Today is turkey day and there is so much to be thankful for.  I am thankful for my journey to a whole new me.  I am also thankful for such wonderful family and friends.  Finally I am thankful for a hobby that I love, that calms me, and makes me smile.  Happy Thanksgiving!

I have been trying to decide what my Christmas Card for this years season and I think I found it.  The design has been playing around in my head for a while, but when I saw this challenge on Crafty Cardmakers I knew the last element I wanted to add, dry embossing.

So I have a white A2 card base I made with white cardstock.  The ornament shape I made using my Cricuit and a PNG file I made into a cut file.  I purchased the file from Polkadoodles on Etsy.  It is ftom the collection called Winter Wonderland.  I then cut the same shape out of some Cricuit silver glitter paper.  The sentiment I put on a Cricuit scalloped oval shape I found in design space.  I flattened that shape to make into a print and cut and had the Cricuit write the Merry Christmas out.

I used my swiss dot cuttlebug folder on the white background to add that dry embossed interest.  The green and white bakers twine makes it look like the ornament is hanging.  I layered the whole panel on some red cardstock with white polka dots.  This paper is from a paper pad from last Christmas from Recollections.  To add a bit more..something I added some green patterned washi to the bottom that is from Recollections as well.

If you end up getting one of these cards this season, I apologize in advance for you knowing what it will look like.

I am entering this into Crafty Cardmakers Challenge # 177.

Thanks for stopping by!

Monday, November 21, 2016

Week 1 Wrap Up

I made it through week one!  Woot!  I am celebrating all the small accomplishments....yes each and every one. 😉

How did it go you ask?  Well, Sunday and Monday....easy peasy.  It just felt good to be doing something.  Tuesday, was a bit tougher.  That was the first day I had some hunger during the day.  I had packed a bunch of raw veggies with a small amount of ranch dressing to help combat this.  But, it got tough after a bit.  I ate all the vegetables I could, but after a bit I had had enough.  With the water, I go through and boy did I love my supper.  I had some baked chicken that filled me up with some steamed vegetables.

All in all, I did well.  I lost 4 lbs.  Down to 222lbs.  I got in an average of 4 glasses of water each day.  I hope when I move offices in a month or so that will get better.  I will then have access to water that is closer at hand.

My goal this week is for another 2 lbs.  I want to continue to work on the water thing as well.  Another goal is also to get through Thanksgiving without over doing it too much.

Do you have any goals this week?  



Saturday, November 19, 2016

Cricuit Vinyl Project

On the fun side....you all the craftiness that brings a smile to my face.  I have joined several Facebook swap groups.  It has been a blast swapping away.  I have now tried my hand at pocket letters, both mini and full sized.  I have done a swap box full of goodies.  Oh my goodness, that was my last swap of the season and boy did I hit the mother lode.  My partner sent me such great stuff.  I will have to take a moment before the holidays to show you all the goodness.  It was a Christmas theme.  My partner nailed it.  She sent such great stuff.  I think I am going to make a Christmas mini scrapbook with it.  Oh and I did my first flip book for a Youtube channel challenge.  You can see my entry here.  That was a blast.  My son says I am now a Youtube star like him.  ðŸ˜„

So in the coming weeks, I will show you some projects I am working on while I am taking a break from the swaps for the holidays.  

Right here is my first one.  I typically don't do many vinyl projects with my Cricuit.  But at work, there is always at least 1 white elephant to bring a gift for.  So this is the gift I made for just such an occasion.  This particular project is a Pintrest find. I bought the image from   https://www.kerribradford.com/.  Her site is down right now but if you search her on Facebook you can message her for any requests and she will still send you the image you want.  I used some Cricuit brand red vinyl for this project.  I placed the sentiment on a 8x8 shadow box I got from Michaels.  These shadow box frames are really expensive.  These I only buy when they are on sale, or in the case of this particular one, I used the 40% off coupon.  Thank goodness for those coupons.  I added in also some pretty gray cardstock in the back and of course, the jingle bells.  One gift complete.

Now when am going to work on those Christmas cards?

Hope you enjoy my post and I will be back with an update on my weight loss journey another day.  



Monday, November 14, 2016

The Beginning

Yesterday began the journey.  The journey to a new me.  I weighed in at my highest weight in my life.  226lbs.  Wow, how did that even happen?  Oh I know how it happened.  It's called stress, overeating, and being a couch potato.  

It is really hard to look at that number 226 in print.  Yikes!  No wonder I am tired after walking in from the parking lot at work each morning.  No wonder after a small amount of time of standing my lower back hurts.  Who wants to carry all that around?

Well it's time to change all that.  I have this beautiful boy who wants to be active and do things with his mom.  Couch potato mom hasn't been able to do those things.  Yep, let the changes begin.

So, I start out with my weapon of choice...Weight Watchers.  It has worked for me in the past, so I know it works.  It's just a matter of sticking to it.  That is why I am here bearing my soul.  You all are going to help me be accountable to myself.

My organizer is ready to use.  I am using it to make my goals, counting my points, working my to do lists for work and home.  The first goal for the week is to aim for 2 lb weight loss.  Also, to work on my water consumption.  I struggle with the 6-8 glasses of water a day.  I have figured out bringing my big cup of water to work helps me get in the first three glasses.  But I have to take the time, to refill it.  So that means taking the time to do that.  Today I got the first 3 in and at lunch had unsweetened tea.  I never refilled the cup.  Got to do better tomorrow.

Another small goal is to make sure I get up from the desk several times a day to move around.  Walk through the hospital.  I will make more concrete activity goals later but just at this point it's baby steps.

Thinking of making some changes yourself?  Got some words of wisdom?  A great weight watcher's recipe?  Feel free to leave me a comment.  I would love to hear what you have to say.  


Friday, November 11, 2016

Changes

Lately, I have been reflecting on what I really love, things I want to do.  Then I realize, there are so many things I want to change so I can do those things I want and really love.  So, I am starting on a journey.  A journey that will help me become healthier, instead of this person who goes to work, comes home to flop on the couch.  It's time to take charge.  It's time to make changes.  

I know most people begin the new year with these type of changes, but I can't keep putting it off.  I want to have energy again.  Energy to do all the crafting the way I want.  To keep my house organized and clean like I used to.  I know cleaning the house is a funny thing to add to the list but I have always love doing domestic things.  Not so much the cleaning, but baking, keeping things organized, decorating for the seasons all those things I feel make me the southern woman I am.

I hope you will come on this journey with me.  Maybe you are contemplating making some changes too.  

So, this blog won't just be about papercrafting.  It will contain other things as I go on this journey.  Who knows for sure what that will be, but it will be fun to find out.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Full Sized Camping Mini Pocket Letter

Since I know my mini Pocket Letter arrived safely, I wanted to show you the full version.

The canteen and camping gear sign came from Cricut design space.  I picked complimentary colors and flattened the design to make this a print and cut.  I added a couple of banners to the bottom.

That cute plaid cardstock along with all the printed cardstock came from Huckleberry Hearts found on Etsy.

I took those papers, placed in design space as a rounded rectangle and had those cut down as the base.  The tent, gone camping sign, and the lantern are also from Huckleberry Hearts.  The canteen, camping gear ticket, fire all came from Design Space.  It was part of my access I subscribe to.  The banner also came from DS but I added in the word.  My cricut beautifully wrote out the words for that as well as the other sign I made stating "Camp Hair Don't Care"

I added a few things like, baker's twine, button, enamel dots, a star paper clip, and a bit of wink of stella.  For the edge I just added some metallic washi tape and rhinestones.  You can never have too much sparkle.

I hope to be back soon to share some other goodies I have made recently. Until then stay cool!

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Back to the Fun!

My work life has been challenging the last year.  That didn't leave much time for blogging, but it doesn't mean my love for papercrafts has diminished.  I still have been creating regularly since our last meeting.

Lately it has been fun playing around with mini-pocket letters and embellishments.  Here are a few that I will be sending out in the mail to swap partners.  Though these are only sneak peeks.  I will post everything in it's entirety once I am sure the partner has received it.  

Here is a sneak peek of my Summer Themed mini PL that will be going out to my partner with a few extras. This was a blast to make. To be in the mail by Monday.



Sneak peek of my camping mini PL and a bag of goodies. Going to be heading in the mail Monday.
Lastly is the sneak peek of my mini embellies I am swapping with their bag of extra goodies. Yesterday was very productive. I gave my circuit explore a workout. ðŸ˜Š