Questions About Me…

I’m sure many of you have been wondering – where are you Melissa, you haven’t blogged in 10 days! Well yes that’s true but I promise I’m ok – just lost my blogging mo-jo for a while especially since I haven’t had time for projects. This time of year is so blah and I’m feeling a little blah these days as well. To help get back to my blogging days, I thought I’d share a little something about me. I got this email from a friend and thought I’d blog about it instead. Feel free to join in!

6 NAMES I GO BY:

1. Melissa
2. Melis (my friend Rochelle)
3. Missy
4. Miss
5. Mama (yes Tanner loves his Mama)
6. Babe

3 THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:

1. My comfy pj’s
2. Warm socks
3. Glasses (exciting morning right?!?!)

3 THINGS YOU WANT BADLY AT THE MOMENT:

1. Tanner’s vet appointment to go well today – we think he may have a tumor on his eyelid.
2. On a less serious note, I’d like to lose more than 1 lb a week.
3. And to win this bet with my husband – 23 workouts down 7 to go! Go me.

3 THINGS YOU DID LAST NIGHT:

1. Went out to dinner with David.
2. Worked out.
3. Organized my coffee table & purged about 50 magazines. Yes it’s a bit of an addiction.

3 THINGS YOU DISLIKED TODAY:

1. Fear over Tanner’s growth on his eye
2. Waking up to a sore shoulder-again!
3. Waking up with no Diet Dr. Pepper in the house.

2 PEOPLE YOU LAST TALKED TO ON THE PHONE:

1. David
2. the Vet

2 THINGS YOU ARE GOING TO DO TOMORROW:

1. Book club
2. Wine tasting at Bliss

3 OF YOUR FAVORITE DRINKS

1. Diet Dr. Pepper
2. Pumpkin Spice Latte @Starbucks
3. Wine

So did you learn anything new about me? Maybe, maybe not but I hope I entertained you for a minute or two.

My Valentine, My True Friend

I didn’t get a chance to create a bunch of handmade Valentine cards this year but I did get a chance to make a few this past week. I didn’t want to post them before V-day, in fear that those receiving the cards would have the surprise spoiled.  Plus they got done at the last minute too didn’t help the cause but they were done just in time.

Above is the card that I made for the best hubby in the world. It took me a couple of tries before I got it just perfect for him.  I can’t believe that 9 years ago on 2/14/02 we got engaged during our trip to Daytona for the Daytona 500. I still remember how nervous he was and how relieved he was after he heard my “yes” after the big question was popped. I’m thinking we should head back there next year to celebrate 10 years.

The pink card above which was similar to David’s I sent to my littlest nieces back home. I included a couple of little treats for my little Valentine’s. Little girls love pink don’t they?  

 

This last card I made for some other Valentine’s in my life but it didn’t turn out as well as I would have liked. I should have used green as the main card color but they got done. It’s definitely not one of my better cards but having a few “not so great” cards help to create the next best creation afterwards.

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Proof – I Did It!

I knew you wouldn’t believe me without photos and I made sure this time we got some. This is the second time in a month that I have went ice-fishing. I know it’s hard to believe but lately I’m willing to try anything once, especially if it means getting out of the house during the dreary winter months!

   Here I am using my auger drilling skills, the ice was really deep and I thought I was going to fall in towards the end but I never let go of the auger – rule #1.

Even thought I was bundled up, it got a little cold with the wind on the lake and I decided to fish in the ice shack instead, it was really warm in there! The twins that live next door decided to join me but unfortunately “the fish were sleeping” according to the kids. I think they were right. The hubby and I got a few shots before heading out for lunch. No one from our group caught any fish big enough to enter into the ice-fishing tournament but there is always next year. At least we had fun.

My New Best Friend

I have a new best friend that arrived today thanks to the UPS man. My new “blue mean cleaning machine” otherwise known as the Dyson and I’ve been cleaning the house all night long! Our whole house is hardwood floors but we have area rugs throughout and were sick of our vacuum cleaner that didn’t seem to do much cleaning for us. I’ve been eyeing these vacuums for a while and decided to take the plunge finally. We have a handheld Dyson and absolutely love it so we knew that the bigger one would have our hearts going pitter-patter as we clean. We were so right.

Can you see all of that dust in the canister? Well I vacuumed our 3 area rugs with our old vacuum first and then I put the Dyson to work – can you believe it?!?! That’s after I vacuumed – I’m absolutely sickened by the amount of dust and dirt that I’ve been living with. I am terribly allergic to dust and I love this vacuum because it has the Asthma & Allergy Foundation seal of approval – that was very exciting for me.

So there you have it – my dirty little secret out in the open. Does anyone else have something they can’t get clean no matter what? Do tell and see if we can come up with a solution for you. Or what are some of your favorite tools you use to clean your home?

My 30 day Bet

I am serious about getting back in shape in 2010 because I fell off the wagon last year and had a million and one excuses for why. I need to feel better, get healthier, and lose some weight in the process. The book that we are reading for one of my book clubs is “Excuses Begone” by Wayne Dyer and while we’ve been reading it for about 6 months (we are a little slow) it finally clicked this weekend and I said enough is enough. I put a plan in place and for the next 30 days I’m going hard-core. I need a big boost to keep me working towards this. Plus my hubby and I have a little bet going that if I stick to the plan for 30 days that he’ll treat me to my favorite restaurant – you guessed it – Joe’s Stone Crab! Those of you that know about my love for crab know that I’m going to win this bet!

Here’s the plan – kick my tail for 30 days by completing Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred DVD for 30 straight days. It’s only 20 minutes so the “I don’t have time” excuse is out the window. I love that it’s fast and it’s over before you know it. I’m only 2 days in but honestly the 2nd time flew by compared to the first time. And I can do all of the exercises – nothing tricky just 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, 1 minute of abs. Repeat 3 times and you are done!

Now that I’ve got the exercise excuses addressed, it’s now time to get down to business with the eating and meal planning issue. I stumbled across this website in a magazine this weekend and I’ve been wondering – why didn’t I think of that! You can select the meal plan of your choice and each week print off the meal plan with recipes and a shopping list. We tried it yesterday and so far we are loving it. We choice the Weight Watchers plan for 2 people but there are a bunch to choose from. Click here to learn more about e-mealz.

Last but not least is Hungry-Girl. That’s instantly what I think of when I think about me on a diet – one Hungry Girl. I tried Hungry-Girl’s cupcakes this weekend and I couldn’t  believe how tasty they were and at only 110 calories you can’t go wrong. I signed up for her daily emails (along with 800,00 others) and I really like her tips.

 

So here’s the plan – eat healthy, work out for 30 days, and learn new healthy habits. Then in 30 days I’ll be celebrating over a plate of stone crab once my hubby loses this bet. Ok, I probably shouldn’t be celebrating with food but seafood isn’t bad for you and I love it. If it gets me in gear for the next 30 days it’s worth it. And then it’ll be time to set my next goal.

One more thing, the bet isn’t because my husband isn’t supportive and doesn’t think I can do this, he just knows how darn competitive I am and I hate losing. Plus he worked out last night with me and I was worried he wasn’t going to make it through. It’s hard to exercise after not doing it for a while but I know he can do it – I just need to show him that hard work = results!

2 days down and 28 more to go!!!

I Designed the Cutest Bangle Purse

I designed the cutest bangle purse and I want to tell you all about it! At the end of November I attended a purse party but this wasn’t your normal, hide in the basement and purchase knock-off’s type party. I actually got to design the purse that I would use on a night out on the town with some of the most beautiful fabrics available.  After selecting the fabric, trim, and accessories for my purse – I left the hard work of sewing my design to Alexa Holzworth of LexiWynn Designs. Alexa is the owner and designer of her own custom made handbags and she is one creative lady!

Alexa has a blog and a website if you want to see more of her creations. Her designs are sold exclusively through home parties and I am in the midst of booking a party with her soon. Cosmo’s, good friends, and purses on a Friday night – what more does a girl need?

Interested in the process?

First – you select the style of purse. Do you want a tote, purse, diaper bag, messenger bag, or a cute little bangle purse? The choice is all yours and you have lots of samples to view to get some ideas.

Second – you select the fabrics you would like to use and if you want any other custom work on your purse. For example I added some rick rack ribbon to mine. I also had a bangle attached to the end of the wristlet so I could keep the wristlet on my wrist and have jewelry on all at the same time.

Third – place your order and anxiously await Alexa to sew up your masterpiece. She does all of the work so patience is key, especially if you are ordering right before the holidays. But it was WELL worth the wait and I can’t wait to use it!

LOVE IT – LOVE IT – LOVE IT!!!

It’s very “me” and I only wish I could now design an entire room around these fabrics. Oh wait – now I’m on to something……..

You’re On My Mind

Over the past few weeks I have had a need to make several ‘get well’ and sympathy cards because it seems that when it rains it pours. In the last 2 weeks both of my parents have had to have surgery and two people I knew have passed away, including a family member. It puts things into perspective as to what’s important and what’s not such a big deal after all. I’m happy to say that my parents are doing fine and slowly but surely recovering. While my dad’s surgery was planned, my mom’s was not but necessary after her appendix burst. The timing wasn’t ideal (but when is it) and they had to miss my aunt’s visitation/funeral.

A former volleyball team member from high school passed away at the young age of 31. She left behind a husband and  two very small children, age 6 and 2. She had brain cancer and fought like hell but sometimes God has a different plan. She was one of the kindest people I knew and I can only imagine what her family is enduring at this time. While I was unable to attend the service, I was able to sign a guest book online, along with literally 100’s of others who lives she touched. I also made several sympathy cards this weekend that unfortunately are being sent to those who have lost loves one’s this past week.

I may not have the right words to say inside of the card, I hope that they will see the love I put into creating a card that shows how much I cared about their loved one’s.

It doesn’t seem right to share the details of how I made this card but if it helps someone else to create something beautiful for those suffering, then it’s the least I can do.

Supplies Used:

• Paper: whisper white, basic gray, simply saffron, urban garden patterned paper
• Ink: basic gray, simply saffron
• Stamps: upsy daisy
• Accessories: oval punch, oval scallop punch, scallop edge punch, silver elastic cord

Note: all products used are Stampin Up.

Projects I’d Love the Nerve to Tackle

Maybe I should have titled this “projects I’d love to attempt but don’t have the nerve”. I think with a little help, encouragement, and guidance from some experts I can tackle most of these.

Centsational Girl made these adorable Crate & Barrel like poinsetta pillows for Christmas. I know it’s mid-January, but it’s never to early to start making them now for Christmas presents in December – right?

I think I’ll need my mom’s help with this one given she’s the quilting and sewing guru of the family. Interested in attempting this project – here’s the details.

A Soft Place to Land created the coolest Board and Batten treatment to the walls in their living room. I would love to have the guts to try something like this in our basement family room to give it some architectural detail it’s lacking.

Curious how to create this on your walls, the cost, and the amount of time? Click here for details.

Elizabeth Kartchner from Just Us created these super cool embellished tees using old tee-shirts and some fabric scraps. She shared her how-to’s on a local TV station and I’m really eager to try this one out. She even used a scrapbooking tool, Sissix, to cut the flowers out of fabric.

Susie over at Susie Harris’s blog created these DIY flower pillows on the cheap. Again I’d love to tackle this but I need a sewing machine and a little guidance from my mom too. Are you starting to see a theme? I love pillows, fabric flowers, and projects that are easy.

 

My new favorite DIY blog is Knock Off Wood and a special shout-out to Sherry at Young House Love for sharing this blog with all of us. Ana at Knock Off Wood has me thinking that I really can build furniture for the cost of peanuts that are sold at Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, and West Elm. I am determined to make this coffee table when the weather warms up a bit. Intrigued by the idea of making your own coffee table – step by step drawings and instructions are here along with some testimonials from people who have built this in 2 hours and under $50 – yes that’s not a typo.

There are tons of detailed plans on how to build anything from a square dining room table, nightstands, beds, or entertainment centers. She creates plans that are easy to follow and people are always sending in pictures of their creations along with some tid-bit’s of advice that would be helpful to anyone else looking to build the same thing.

Honey, if you are reading this, will you help me make this coffee table pretty please? I promise not to yell or get bad if you make a few mistakes along the way – promise! I’ll even buy extra wood in case of any boo-boo’s.

Are there any projects that you want to tackle but are scared to use a jigsaw, table saw, or sewing machine? Did you end up with all of your fingers afterwards and a pretty cool project? Do share. I’m looking for the confidence I need to venture into unchartered waters.

A Little Something Card

My new manager is starting on Monday and I thought we should welcome her with a card. Yes you can call me a brown-noser but I also love making cards and showing her I’m creative and crafty isn’t such a bad thing is it? Ok fine, call me a brown-noser but everyone else liked the idea at work too. It’s from our entire team so she’ll think we are all brown-noser’s right?!?!

I’m excited to finally have our new manager on board but extremely nervous at the same time. I met with her during the interview process but I just hope we click and have a positive working relationship right from the get go. My former manager who was promoted was absolutely fabulous (hence her big promotion) but I still miss her dearly, I learned so much from her and still do which is a good thing.

Here’s the details:

Supplies Used:

• Paper: kiwi kiss cardstock, whisper white, urban garden patterned paper
• Ink: basic gray, kiwi kiss
• Stamps: Yummy
• Accessories: kiwi kiss corduroy buttons, basic gray taffeta ribbon, dimensionals

Note: all products used are Stampin Up.

Thanks A Bunch Card

I made this card for a co-worker that has helped out tremendously while we have been without a manager in our department. We all pitched in for a gift and I made the “thanks a bunch” card for everyone to sign. There’s nothing like a homemade thank you card, don’t you think?

Here’s the details:

Supplies Used:

• Paper: whisper white, baja blue, rich razzleberry, hand drawn patterned paper
• Ink: baja blue
• Stamps: A Little Something
• Accessories: rich razzleberry 1/2” polka dot grosgrain ribbon, scallop trim border, clear silver brad, circle punch, circle scallop punch

Note: all products used are Stampin Up unless otherwise noted.