L.I.F.E.

1. L.I.F.E. Loving the Incredible Feeling of Existing. I just thought of this quote tonight. I'm going to have to do something with that acronym.
2. Who knew that I could have made so many cool little craft projects in one day?  I am so excited to make the next project. This is all part of my 30 crafts in 30 days challenge. Check it out here.
3. I had another talk with my roommate and things have gone back to "business as usual" except for the things that were the issue.  I'm glad I started that conversation with him.
4. The Peppermint Mocha International Coffee Creamer is DELICIOUS!
5. The spaghetti I made tonight... THE BOMB! That is all.

Yesterday. Busy, But Fun.

I was supposed to start my 30 days of Crafting yesterday and time just got away from me. I also wasn't able to rattle off a blog entry yesterday.  It's all good though. There are worst things that could happen. I'll make up for lost time tomorrow because I will do three projects! If you want to follow the adventure - check me out here: http://mantasticcrafts.blogspot.com/

1. Planning for my crafting adventures I rolled into Michael's and found some items on clearance.  I will have to say, one of my concerns about this challenge on making a craft item each day was the money aspect.  Well, I'm happy to report that I picked up about 5 days worth of projects for less that $20! I love a good deal.
2. Dinner at Sweet Water Tavern. YUM!  Good food!
3. When I got home tonight, I saw that the kitchen has continuously remained clean. No dishes in the sink or filth on the counter top. I love that someone decided to keep things tidy (that someone being my housemate).
4. A student said to me, "You've been working out a lot, huh?" and I replied, "Yeah I have." She then said, "Oh yeah, I can tell. Good job!"  That was two comments within less than 24 hours about this.  I guess the running is doing what I had hoped it would do.  VIVA LA EXERCISE!
5. I can sense the slowing down of the school year as we approach the holidays.  I am so very excited to chill the heck out for a while. Should I take an extra week off work?  I have a ton of vacation days. Hmmm... I love having these kind of options.

Monday, You're Too Funky for Me...

There was a funk in my spirit today. I didn't want to do a think at work. Why would I need to work after not working for so many days? hahaha  I finally got into gear after 4PM and did two solid hours of work.  Aside from working in the office I've been working on my plan of action for the 30 days of crafting.  The excitement begins in just a couple of days.

1.  I'm glad all of the things I needed to finish for homecoming planning is nearly over. WHEW!
2. I love that I finally said what I needed to say. What a relief!
3. I found a new craft site that I love to death... Curbly!
4. Today Barbara brought me some large mason jars. I love how thoughtful she is.  I'm going to have to make her something for Christmas. 
5. The weather today was amazing. It just doesn't get better than that at the end of November in Northern Virginia! 70 degrees????

Super Soul Sunday

I haven't done a thing today and I am okay with that.  Although I never left the house, I did find 5 solid things that I loved about today.

1. Myra stopped by to return the key. It was nice to chill out and chat with her. She's a good friend in the area.
2. I saw a video today that promotes marriage equality. It was made in Australia. It was done so well that I had to share it on Facebook and now I'm sharing it here. The video is titled, "It's Time".
3. I've spent most of the evening looking for craft projects. I'm embarking on a 30-Day challenge to make one craft per day.  I've found about 15 strong projects today. Lots of the ideas came from Design Sponge. Heeeeeeeeeeey, Design Sponge! :0)
4. Waking up early and being able to go back to sleep for a 2 hour nap is something I love. To have no real agenda for the day is awesome!
5. Super Soul Sunday on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) was great today. They talked about Taoism.  Maybe I'm a Taoist?  I don't know. What I do know is that I was fully engaged in the program.

Quotes on Financial Brutality

I spend a lot of time reading quotes.  They give me inspiration and sometimes offers a new perspective. Today, while I was shopping I said to the cashier, "You can't beat this sale" and he responded, "You can't beat it with a stick." And oddly enough, I was buying a dowel rod. At that moment, I instantly thought of my mother because she would always say that phrase as well as a few others. It got me thinking about my own sayings.  What is uniquely mine? If not my own unique saying, what am I known for saying?  Hmmm... Something to ponder at a later date.

1. Today I got to see my brother, sister-in-law and niece. They stopped by this morning on their way back to North Carolina.  It was great to see them!
2. Great quote: "Logic will get you from A - Z.  Imagination will get you everywhere." Albert Einstein
3. I made another journal today, better than the last. They just keep getting better. 
4. Today. I. Ran. For. 8. Minutes. Did it twice, too and didn't pay attention to the time. Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Progress.
5. I bought fabric remnants from Jo-Ann Fabrics and they were on sale for 50% additional off! You can't beat that with a stick!

Saturday In the Park...

Today started off a little, hmmm... different. Let's just leave it at that. However, I visited the National Arboretum this morning and I'm now wondering why I had never been before! Even though it's autumn, it was still a beautiful place to be. The sunlight on the leaves and other plants were fantastic.  I can't wait to upload the images.

1. Taking a friend's suggestion and visiting the National Arboretum was a great idea.  I found this tall plant with feather like fronds and photographed it a few dozen times. AH-MAZING images!
2. Although I am tired, I still managed to do a lot today. What's my motivation?  Being creative. I made the covers for two new cereal box journals.  I am getting much better at making them.
3. Today I decided to try making cakes in mason jars.  I made my own buttercream frosting too! YUM! Cake Pops are next - with the homemade frosting!
4. I listened to Mary J. Blige's song, "Empty Prayers" at least a dozen more times today. It's such a powerful song. I love it.  It's my new favorite song. Good ol' song binging! "I try my best to keep you here - but it's hard to hold a shadow."
5. I made another sale today on Etsy!  YAY!!!

When Your Body Says, "Slow Down" - LISTEN!

1. I had never gone to the Manassas Battlefield and took photographs before. Today was a first.  I'm pretty happy with what I captured on my memory card. It was great to just walk around and see the beauty of nature. I even saw a deer!
2. Ahh, my bed. I love that I was able to just be lazy today and sleep. There's something about the sheets on my bed that make me feel at peace.  I guess it's the 600 thread count.  Very comfortable. Very nice.
3. Taking my dog for a ride in my car even though I was only going to 7-11 was nice.  He was sooo well behaved. 
4. I rented several movies tonight and of them all, I have to say that The Green Lantern was my favorite. Limitless had a cool concept and the way it was shot was very nice. Jumping the Broom... Hmm this blog is about positivity, right? hahaha
5. As I was browsing for even more craft projects that I don't have time to create, I found this:  Bottles Full of Light Very cool idea that I love!

Handy Dandy Sunday

1. It's that time of year where I want to try out 101 different crafting ideas.  Here's one that I think is totally doable in the next few weeks.  Paint Dipped Pinecones.
2. I got quite a few things done today and all before 1PM - I didn't get everything done but enough to where I feel good about the accomplishments!
3. Tonight's episode of Once Upon a Time was really good.  I'm lovin' how they're twisting the stories!  Next week we'll learn about Cinderella!!
4. I'm thankful that my roommate came back early and helped me rake the leaves in the yard.
5. I love that the kitchen counter is completely clear.  I bought a small pantry and that did the trick.

What's in Your Bucket?

1. Wegman's Carrot Cake.  AMAZINGLY GOOD!  I'm not a fan of raisins but this cake was so book that I ate it with the raisins in it!
2. I love how there's always a solution to your dilemma. Yeah, it sounds so simple, doesn't it?  Sometimes the solution isn't what you want but today... the solution worked out to my liking!  I thought I was going to have to refund a buyers money because I didn't have what I needed to complete the order. Well, after a day of thinking and a visit to two stores that ended without the item, I realized I always had what I needed at home. I just needed to look for it. I love how that can be applied to so many things. You've always had what you needed - you just had to look for it.  Wow.
3. I went to the gym even with me being tired. I felt great afterward. Now I feel exhausted which means I'll get to sleep really well. That's something I really love!
4. Family Guy and The Cleveland Show is a good escape from reality. I love the randomness of these shows.
5. I loved this item in the picture.  The Bucket List. I think I may make something like this. Found it on Pinterest.com.  What's on your bucket list?  

Unspeakable Joy in ...

1. Okay, I'll admit it.  The show Hot in Cleveland is pretty funny!  I've watched the TV Land marathon this morning and love the characters. 
2. The Walking Dead. Will this be a replacement for LOST? Either way, I love the show!
3. Kim English sang the hell out of this song back in 1999.. and you know, it STILL is the jam!  Are they even making mixes like this anymore?   I love it!
4. By George, I think I've got it!  I've figured out how to make these upcycled journals! LOVE IT!  Now I just need to create an assembly line.
   
5. I love that I almost got through the weekend without spending any money.  Had it not been for Chipotle, I would have succeeded. 

Oh the Horror (and the Zombies)!

1. I think I've finally figured out how to make these sketchbooks using re-purposed cereal boxes.  I even added a flap with a clasp tonight! By the time I make one more I should have it totally figured out. Woo HOo!
2. I looked outside of the kitchen window and spotted a hummingbird hovering around one of the flowers in the front yard.  Pretty cool! This is the second one I've seen in the yard in the last month.  I guess they like what's in the yard. :0)
3. Today I found another show that I am excited for, The Walking Dead.  This show is a good mix of creepy, sci-fi and drama.  I like how each episode leaves you wanting more.  Reminds me of how the show LOST made me feel. I'm also excited to start watching American Horror Story - Jessica Lange plays "creepy" really well. Oh, and they sure say the word, "shit" a lot!
4. Scored a great deal on an item at Super Target - I love shopping the clearance racks. I also love Super Target in general.
5. Peace and quiet.  That's what I will have for the next few days and I will love every minute of it.

Chili, Mac, Cardboard and a Little Revenge

Today was planned to be a "lazy day" but it definitely didn't turn into that.  I ended up doing yard work, running errands, walking the dog, cleaning up the kitchen and making a new craft project.  So much for a lazy day!

1. Today I made a pot of chili and let me just tell you... it is GOOD.  If it were Campbell's, it would be Mmm Mmm Good. Since it's mine, it comes with a hand so you can slap somebody!
2. I saw Big Mac (my dog) smile today. We went for a walk this morning and you could tell he were just happy as hell! 
3. The post office has an automated mailing machine. I was a little apprehensive to try using it but I took a chance and I am loving that I did.  It was pretty easy - although I do think I paid a little more than I would have normally because I didn't pick the right type of package.
4. I am finally watching the first episode of Revenge.. Oh yeah, I'm going to love this show!
5. Today I started an art project that was long overdue! Making sketchbooks from cereal boxes.  The first one I made tonight wasn't so hot but the second one definitely shows great promise! It's just too bad that I cut myself while making this book.