Day 7- Update

I'm still on track and haven't made any slip-ups. This journey has already proven to be quite the learning experience. I've eaten so so much hummus. I happen to love hummus- I may have already mentioned that- and it's easy to make and have on hand for quick snacks. I think the hardest part of this has been being prepared for meals in advance.

I'm having fun experimenting with different vegetables and grains. I've found a couple of very delicious recipes thanks to Pinterest.. and so far only one that didn't turn out so great.

I plan to upload pictures of some of the yummy things I've made very soon. Until then I leave you with a picture of some baby carrots (I promise I've eaten more than carrots this week).

Day 1 of Vegan

Today was the first day of my Vegan experience. I love hummus... so for lunch I made a "hummus sandwich". I spread some hummus on a pita loaf and added shredded lettuce and tomatoes.

I had my sandwich with a sliced red pear.

I was so surprised by how filling this little lunch was.

Wednesday nights are our Bible study night, and it's usually a potluck style. I ate later in the day so I wouldn't get hungry while I was there... but I was absolutely starving by the time I got home. I had plenty of left over hummus so I had another one of these for dinner.

Wonder Bread

I'm continuing to research vegan foods to prepare myself for Lent. I was surprised to learn that Wonder Bread is vegan! I had no idea. I've never purchased Wonder Bread... but I'm glad to know that it's an option.

Lent

I'm not Catholic... but I do fast for Lent. I love holidays- I love the decorations, traditions, festivities, and food that accompany them. For me, Jesus' sacrifice is the greatest gift in the world. It can be easy to lose sight of that during all of the excitement of Easter Sunday. Chocolate rabbits, colorful eggs, and pretty dresses are lovely, but His resurrection and assent in to Heaven is the true reason for celebration. I began fasting for Lent 10 years ago. It helps me to remember what Jesus did for me. He resisted temptation while on Earth so that He could die a perfect example of how to live- even fasting for 40 days in the desert after His baptism. When I'm struggling to hold to my fast I remind myself that Jesus did without food and water for 4o days... it makes it easier to not eat sweets or whatever item I've given up.

I pray before Lent for guidance on what I should refrain from. My answer this year is by far going to be the most challenging fast I've done so far. This year for Lent I am sticking to a vegan diet.

I have begun researching recipes and foods that are vegan. I know that educating myself on vegan-ism will be crucial to my success- I would be devastated if I accidentally slipped up.

I have also decided to blog my experiences to help hold me accountable.

This year Lent starts on February, 22nd. I have about a week and a half to fully prepare and stock up on the right kinds of foods. I am looking forward to this opportunity to be faithful and obedient to the Lord.

Check back for updates.

Tutus and Bluebonnets

This is my adorable niece wearing a gigantic tutu that I made. This pictures is from her third birthday pictures (shot by Courtney Moore Photography).

She had so much fun playing in the bluebonnets.

Paper Peonies.

I love peonies, and I have a passion for making paper flowers. I have known for a long time that I wanted to create paper flowers for my wedding. Not long after we started planning I decided that my bridesmaids would carry paper peonies. I set out on a mission to learn how to create my vision. Of course I didn't need to look further than Martha! I found a tutorial on her website for how to make tissue paper peonies. I tweaked the method slightly- and this is what I've come up with.

I am so pleased with how they turned out. I think each girl will carry a bouquet containing 6 or 7.
I am so looking forward to seeing how they look next to the aqua dresses.

Round 1 of Wedding crafting!

I saw a sweet sweet idea on Pinterest. One gal asked her friends to be in her wedding by sending them each a box. I knew immediately that I wanted to do this! Three of the ladies I wanted to ask live too far away for me to ask them as a group- and I wanted to do something more than a simple phone call or card.

I bought plain cigar boxes from Michael's. I painted the outside aqua and the inside pink. I decoupaged some pretty paper on the front and filled the box with notes and pictures.
I started with a note asking each girl to be a bridesmaid.
I've always pictured bridesmaids in cowboy boots. They are a favorite of mine. I knew that it would be difficult to get everybody together to try on dresses... and I know each of these ladies has their own unique style. I opted to let them choose their own dresses within my color scheme. I am so looking forward to seeing what they choose.
I included a brief paragraph describing what we are envisioning for our wedding.
My bridesmaids are spread out from "down the street" to across the country. It's very important to me that they not be strangers who meet a day or so before the wedding. I chose to include a small introduction and contact information for each of them. I chose six bridesmaids, and while each of them has met at least one of the others- they haven't all met.
I filled the bottom layer of the box with pictures of dresses that I like and some decor inspiration.

I mailed a box to each of the girls that I asked- and I can't think of a more perfect way to have asked.

P.S.

I spent a lot of time trying to decide what I wanted to do the back of my kitchen cabinets. I'm living in an apartment, so it had to be something removable.

This quote is from a letter from Col Travis to Sam Houston asking for support at the Alamo. I love it. It was the perfect thing to put there.

Eve

I adopted an 8 year old cat, Eve, this weekend. She spent Saturday night and all of Sunday in hiding... only coming out to change hiding spots, eat, or use the little box. She only would come out when we weren't home. Early this morning (around 4 a.m.) I heard her crying and went out into the living room a couple of times and called her name but was ignored. Around 6 a.m. she finally came out of hiding and wanted attention.

I sat on the kitchen floor and she rubbed on me and hissed. That was quite frightening. After a couple of minutes of that she quit hissing and demanded to be pet. We had some fun playing and I let her come into the bedroom. She had fun exploring a new room and rolled all over my unmade bed. This is the best picture I managed to snap of her.

I felt so bad leaving her at 6:30 to head to work. She's also in hiding again. Hopefully she learns to trust us all of the time and wants to interact at normal times.

She is so sweet and I am so looking forward to getting to know her better.

I'm coming back!

I've been putting my "just for fun" crafting on hold lately. I've only done things like Valentine's Day treat bags and St. Patrick's Day cards. Not having a real crafting area has been taking its toll.

That's about to change! I ordered a crafting desk and it has arrived! The plan is to get it put together after work tonight and hopefully I'll be back to crafting this weekend.

(Yes.. that is a lingering Christmas present in the background.)

I'll be posting new projects very soon. I've got some to finish and I've got lots of new ideas!

I'm a Stylish Blogger!

I have been given the Stylish Blogger Award by Giang at Keen on Scrapbooking and Card Making. First of all I just have to say how very flattered I am. I discovered Giang fairly recently when I participated in my first ever blog hop. I'm constantly impressed with her creations. She has a wonderful talent and if you haven't already stopped by I would highly suggest that you do so.

Giang, thank you again for this award!

The rules of this award are that I have to pick 8 other bloggers that I find are Stylish and share 8 facts about myself. I'll start with the facts.

1. I have loved scrapbooking and card making for many years. I loved wandering around craft stores looking at all of the neat things. My first projects were very primitive. I was intimidated by all of the things I saw in the stores. I didn't know how to use them and they all seemed so expensive! I watched an infomercial for the Cricut Expression in 2008 and told my mom that it was all I wanted for Christmas. I got one. I was such a happy camper! I ruined my first mat by putting wrapping paper on it! I couldn't wait to try it out. I began watching tutorials on YouTube and quickly found The Pink Stamper. I was so very grateful to her for sharing her knowledge. I quickly became more comfortable and began shopping the scrapbooking areas with confidence. I'm a total dork and I have still have to show my mom EVERYTHING I make.
2. I am ultra girly. I love Hello Kitty, Barbie, anything pink, glitter, romantic comedies, jewelry, makeup and shoes. I have a collection of Wizard of Oz Barbies, and I'm working on getting the newest line that they've come out with. My mom and sister keep expecting me to outgrow my love of these things... but I don't think I will.
3. I love music. I listen to a lot of country and show tunes hold a place in my heart. I love singing in the car. Old gospel songs are a favorite of mine when I'm driving. Pandora is the 2nd most used app on my phone (behind Facebook). I was in choir all through school and played cello as well.... although I wasn't very good at cello.
4. I have a niece and a nephew. My niece will be 3 this year and my nephew will be 1. My niece spends at least a day a week with me. Every Sunday my boyfriend and I pick her up and take her with us to church. My mom meets us there and then we spend the afternoon at my parents' place. She has so much personality for such a tiny person. I get so much joy from spending time with her. I can't wait for my nephew to be old enough to come with us, too. He is such a handsome little guy.
5. I'm in school. I'm working on an Elementary Education degree. I started it 8 years ago and ended up putting work ahead of school and putting it on hold. After 5 years of "meaning to go back" I started again last September. I love being back in school. I still work full time, but I'm fortunate enough to now have a job that allows me to be flexible with scheduling. I wish I could take more classes at a time, but I'm committed to sticking with it this time. I'll be taking summer classes as well to get it finished as quickly as I can.
6. I have to fall asleep with the tv on or I'll lay there for hours with thoughts whizzing around in my head. My brain is constantly "going". I've tried falling asleep to music, but it seems to take longer.
7. I believe that my ability to create things is a gift from God. I'm still trying to figure out exactly how He wants me to use my gift, but I am so looking forward to learning.
8. I have 2 middle names. The first is Rose. Rose was the name of my grandmother's best friend in high school. My grandparents eloped on the day they graduated from high school. My great uncle drove them to a small Lutheran Church one town over and they got married and went back and graduated. My grandfather's parents knew. My grandmother's did not. She told them she was staying the night at Rose's.... instead they spent a night together in a hotel in San Antonio. (I only learned that last part recently). The second is Corrine. Corrine was the middle name of my grandmother's biological mother. Her parents divorced when she was a baby. They had 3 children together... 2 boys and a girl. My great grandmother, Alice Corrine, had another daughter from a previous marriage. When they divorced my great grandfather kept their 3 children and eventually remarried. His second wife had 3 children as well... 2 girls and a boy. My grandmother never really got to know Alice, and I don't know the details of why she left. I don't think my grandmother ever really did, either.

Whew... that was long! Ok.. on to 8 more bloggers!

1. The first blogger I'm choosing is Sarita at Little Princess Cards. Her creations are bold, clean and elegant. She uses beautiful stamps and makes very professional looking cards
2. Next I'm picking Paper Junkie. I love that she makes more than just cards and scrapbook pages. She creates lots of fun things! If you stop by make sure you check out her "Boy Bouquet." It's fabulous!
3. Next I'm choosing Nicole over at Scramp-It. She's a new blogger, but I'm loving her creations! She uses wonderful papers and is quite talented.
4. I am also very impressed by Sandy at Scrappin' With Sandy. I absolutely love her cards! She puts small details in her cards that make them super interesting to look at!
5. Minta's Creations is the next blogger that I've chosen. Her creations are fun and whimsical. I think so far my favorite thing that she's made has been the gift bags she made out of paper lunch bags. They're adorable!
6. Claire at Kleirr's Kreation uses color in such a fun way! I love looking at her creations. She's very talented and I admire how much detail goes into her cards and layouts.
7. The blog I've chosen is Cootie Creations. I very recently stumbled across the blog and so far I really love what I see! I can't wait to see more from her!
8. The last (not at all a statement about talent) blogger that I've chosen for this award is a blogger that I know has already received this award. I've chosen Shauna at Craftee She. Shauna is on the MPS design team (which is how I found her blog). I have to say that I've loved each and every creation that I've seen. I also love that she posts things often. I highly suggest subscribing to her.

Happy Birthday to My Pink Stamper

It's the fabulous Robyn's birthday! This is my project for her Birthday Challenge.

I made a Pixie Sticks jar! I love being able to re-purpose things and give them new life. Thanks for stopping by to look!

Recipe

1. Empty Pasta Sauce Jar
2. Colored cardstock
3. Patterned Paper
4. Hello Kitty Greetings Cartridge
5. Embossing Folders
6. Paper Trimmer & Scissors
7. Ribbon
8. Hot Glue Gun & Tape Runner Adhesive
9. Stickles
10. 2 Packs of Pixie Sticks

Snowflake Album

This album was a wedding gift for my boyfriend's sister. She got married on New Year's Day and her wedding colors were black and white with purple accents. When I was talking to her before the wedding she was envisioning lots of snowflakes, glitter and diamonds. I incorporated much of what she said into this album.

Each of the small purple cards pulls out and has room for pictures front and back. Some of these cards are embellished with flowers, other with gemstones or ribbons.
Each page has a pocket on the top. The first page has her wedding invitation mounted on dark purple paper.

All other pockets have patterned paper mounted on dark purple paper. She will have room to add pictures to those front a back.

I had so much fun with this project and the bride loved it!

Recipe

1. Envelopes
2. Patterned Paper
3. Solid colored cardstock
4. Glitter Paper
5. Ribbon
6. Feathers
7. Seasons's Greeting Cartridge
8. Cropadile and Eyelets.
9. Hot Glue Gun
10. Tape Runner Adhesive
11. Paper Trimmer
12. Edge Punch
13. Cloth Flowers
14. Decorative Brads
15. Chipboard Cover
16. Gem Stones
17. Plantin Cartridge
18. Silver Embossing Powder and Heat Gun
19. Stamps
20. Ink (Black and Versamark)

MPS Blog Hop! Hello Kitty

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything. I didn't quit crafting, but I did have a very hectic 2010 and just didn't take the time to put any of my projects up. I've been meaning too, and My Pink Stamper's blog hop was the perfect opportunity to make myself do so.

This is my first every blog hop, I actually didn't know what a blog hop was until I started this one. It was so much fun and I'm looking forward to doing one again.

The theme for this hop was to make something using MPS stamps or pink. I already had materials to make a care package for a dear friend of mine who recently came back to the states from visiting her DH on base in Korea to find that their home was completely flooded. I wanted to remind her that there is always a rainbow after a flood.

I also got to use quite a lot of my paper scraps and my new Cuttle Bug for this project. I used the Hello Kitty Greetings Cartridge for all of the shapes.

I'm sending her pink Rise Krispie treats in a celo bag. The box in the middle is a wrapped box of skittles. I used Stickles on the dry embossed black cardstock. I also dry embossed Hello Kitty's rain coat and boots.
This is a wrapped Hershey bar. It's one of those HUGE ones. I cut this HK face at 3 3/4 inches. Her bow has stickles on it.
This is the card that will be enclosed with her package. "Count the Happies" is a stamp from Hobby Lobby.

Recipe:

Cardstock.

Paper Trimmer

Bone Folder

Adhesive

Stickles

Hello Kitty Greeting Cartridge

Dove Chocolates

Boxed Skittles

Rice Krispie Treats

Hershey Bar

Cuttle Bug and Embossing Folders

Gem stones

Stamps and Ink

.

Valentine's Day Treats

I made these cute little bags for my employees at work. It was a lot of fun, and I'll definitely repeat this project. I cut the letters with my Cricut and the embellishments are by K & Company. Thanks for looking!

Just for You

This card is an entry for Midnight Madness #39. I used patterned paper for the background. The heart and flowers are both cut with my Cricut. Thanks for looking!

Midnight Madness #38

This card is an entry for Priscilla Styles' sketch challenge. I definitely enjoyed this sketch. I made the flower using layered pieces cut with my Cricut. I'm really not sure who the brad is by, but I do know that I got it at Two Peas. Thanks for looking!

Midnight Madness #36

This is my first challenge in a long time. I finally have some free time now that the holiday madness is over. I used papers from the English Garden collection by Making Memories, Zing embossing powder in Red Glitter, and Fiskars Treading Water edge punch. I used pearl embellishments in the scalloped edge and dimensional adhesive. Thanks for looking, and don't forget to stop by Midnight Madness and check out the other fabulous entries!

Christmas 1991

My grandmother recently gave me a bunch of pictures and mementos of my childhood. This is my first little bit of it to scrapbook. Thanks for looking!