Making progress

I just LOVE Pinterest and one of the items on my 101 Things list, is to do something I've pinned on Pinterest. Due to DH being ill last year, I missed several months. In fact, I missed almost a year. When I WAS working on my list, some months I did more than one thing. Now that I'm getting back on track I'll probably continue to do more than one thing. You can see my lists on this site posted in Feb. 2013. I'm slowly getting things done when I have the energy.

Ya'll know I love make-up and nail polish. pretty much all things girly. LOL. I've been buying quite a bit of make-up lately, so for the month of May I'm going on a self-imposed moratorium on buying any make-up. That includes nail polishes. Which I also love. My latest acquisition is Bikini so Teeny by Essie. It's currently sold out on the site, but is available in brick and mortar stores. I got mine at a local Walgreens. It's a beautiful cornflower blue. OH. my. goodness. is it a gorgeous shade of blue!

Okay. So. Holy Crap. I just tried to go to Webshots. And it isn't there. I suppose at some point I was sent an email, saying it was going away, but I don't read emails much anymore. Maybe I should. LOL. Now, I've got to try to remember what was there and find all the pictures I had on there. I think I was a paying member, I can't remember. Auto-payment maybe? hmmmmmmm I'm off to check out the new site, I'm sure (I hope!) they didn't just delete all the photos.

Keep on keeping on

Ramblings and Obsessions

Three things I have been obsessed with this week:

• Air Wick. They have some really nice fragrances in their National Park Collection and in general.
• Veggie Pirates Booty. MMMMMMMMM This is yummy!  and I think the Aged White Cheddar is better than Cheetos!
• Maybelline's Vivids . This new collection has beautiful colors!  Check out this video.  She is articulate, and gorgeous! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2HcHFU8Iuo&feature=share&list=LLcb1OOpwNWFL69wnokhvgxg

I've been going to Weight Watchers meetings for the past few weeks.  I'm down 16.4 pounds.  I'm really psyched.  I'm under 200.  It has been a while.   LOL  DH and I have Weight Watchers Wednesday where we try a new WW recipe each Wednesday.  Last Wednesday we had lemon pasta. OMG It was so good! We have a 8 points plus salad a couple of times a week.  I'm looking to put more WW recipes into rotation. 

I changed from FeedDemon to Feedly to read blog posts. Issues with FeedDemon. I haven't found a reader I'm completely in love with. I do like that I can use Feedly on my iphone though.

I missed my blogaversary, but oh well.  Wasn't the first time!  Probably won't be the last! LOL



Keep on keeping on.

Still Trying

to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I know, I know "Do or do not, there is no try" LOL Lots of things I have wanted to blog, but just didn't get around to doing it. Just random topics.
My husband is still recovering, the doctors say it could take a year or two. Seems like it's been years since he was in the hospital. That period of time last year still seems so surreal.

I've done a couple of things on my 101 Things list.
25. Re-start Weight Watchers.
33. Install or build a fire pit in the backyard. I've bought one, but won't put it in the backyard until we have some yard work done.

I'm trying to arrange an area where I can take pictures of my projects. This small house just isn't picture taking friendly. And my front and back yard are a mess, because I haven't had time to take care of them. I just don't seem to have enough time. I get tired quickly and it seems to take longer to do tasks than it used to. Just not going to give up though. I know eventually, even if I have to hire help, it will get done.

Lots of stress from my job. Something new to deal with everyday. I am grateful I have one, but I'm part-time with no benefits. Thankful hubby has good insurance.

I try to read blogs for a few minutes each day and comment. I was using Google reader, but since it is "closing" I went back to FeedDemon. I had it on my old computer and liked it. I don't know if bloggers can tell if you are following them if you use it though.

Looking forward to sharing again!

I'm still trying

to get my life back to normal. So many things have happened. Just trying to keep a positive attitude and do what has to be done. The holidays were quiet. I found myself missing my Mom, Dad and son more than usual.

I'm going to try to check in here more often. So many things I want to do just can't find the energy to do them after I do what I have to do. I feel as though my life is slipping away with this fibromyalgia. I just want to feel normal again.

Anyhoo......I'll be back soon, and hope to be able to post about some of the projects I've been planning.

So many things

have happened since I last posted. My husband was extremely ill and nearly died. He was in the hospital and then a nursing home for a while. He is doing better, but, recovery will be long and difficult. I have taken over every chore that is required to run a household. All he is required to do is to eat, test his blood sugar, take his meds, exercise, rest and get stronger. We have truly been blessed and I give thanks every day.

I hope to be back blogging routinely and doing more of the things I enjoy soon. It's my favorite time of the year, Halloween will be here soon. It is our anniversary too! We have plans to go to Bern's Steakhouse with some long time friends. Not a lot of decorating being done this year. Just a few things placed in the house and I put the Grim Reaper jack-o'-lantern out yesterday.

More soon!

Ramblings

My Mac and my pc both died about the same time. I can't boot up the Mac, and it tells me my disc is contaminated. I have tons of files on it that I was trying to get backed up. I'd hate to loose all of them. (sigh) I was able to back up the pc. Sooooo...now I have a new inexpensive pc. I just need to be able to work on Word and Excel docs and access the Internet. So I don't need a hi tech pc any more.


101 Things:
Some things I will post pictures of, a lot of things I will just post links to.
25. Re-start Weight Watchers
60. Dye my hair red again
102. Make at least one thing per month from Pinterest…

Short and Sweet

I haven't been posting, but I have been working on my 101 Things.  I'll post links and pictures about what I've been doing as soon as I can.

Superbowl Sunday

I'm not going to watch the game this year,  Just not up to it, and I don't really care who wins. Still recovering from my surgery.

I've been working on my 101 Things in 1001 Days list and have finally completed it.  Some things are carried over from my last list.  I didn't complete everything, but I'm not stressing about it.  Somethings I didn't get done didn't get carried over, but might be added to a later 101 Things.  I'll be referencing to it on my other blog, updating as I make progress, and setting up a plan to complete each item.  So.....here is my new list...

 

1. Get my RN license

2. SWAP storyboard/lookbook to fill the gaps in my wardrobe

3. Make a bib, because, even though I’m an adult, apparently I can’t eat food without spilling some on myself.

4. Make at least one thing per month from Pinterest…to be listed later.

5. Decorating the yard for Halloween this year

6. Make Amy Butler’s Bloom quilt

7. Go to Guavaween this year

8. Create an original art self portrait

9. Completely fill a Pandora bracelet

10. Make five soups from scratch

11. Make my own ATC greetings cards

12. Learn to swim

13. Make a travel/protection charm for the car

14. Design a wardrobe for each decade from the 1920s through 2010 for Molly, make patterns, and sew as many pieces as possible.

15. Make a bed for Molly

16. Hook a bath mat from jersey

17. Have a full spa day

18. Go to an opera

19. Start a gratitude journal

20. Listen to 26 bands I’ve never heard of, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet

21. Start a small vegetable/herb garden from seeds, use in recipes

22. Paint the hallway - yellow with purple trim

23. Read the Bible, from beginning to end-in progress

24. Find my signature cupcake recipe

25. Help pay for a rescue animal’s medical bills

26. Organize my photos

27. Read my height in books

28. Go to see Swan Lake

29. Celebrate the spring and autumn equinox

30. Design 4 tattoos & have them done, a vine with flowers and Mike’s name on the blooms, Celtic knot, in emerald green, and two others, I’m not sure of yet

31. Dress form/duct tape double-after weight loss?? date

32. Make at least one altered book

33. Choose 10 countries and read a book by an author from each

34. Build a robot kit

35. Learn how to make Tiramisu

36. Sew 5 scrub tops

37. Buy a new window box and plant wildflowers in it

38. Make quilted piece for hall doorway

39. Buy a fondue pot and use at least once a month

40. Teach myself sign language

41. Learn to salsa dance

42. Grow an herb garden

43. Braid a rug for the kitchen in front of the sink

44. Study and research Buddhism

45. Learn how to do 10 one-armed push-ups in a row

46. Dye my hair red again

47. Go to a crochet/knitting group

48. Be so flexible I can do a split-again

49. Identify 101 things that bring me joy

50. Go through my Photoshop manual and learn 10 cool tricks

51. Build up a 3 month emergency fund in savings

52. Go to see a play/musical/ballet

53. Knit socks

54. Make a bra and panty set

55. Learn Pilates

56. Buy/learn to use portable GPS

57. Geocache/Go geocaching at least 6 times before last 101 Day

58. Get better acquainted with all the bells and whistles on my digital camera

59. Make bears/bear clothes

60. Build a 1/12 scale miniature house, and begin to furnish it

61. Take my vitamins every day for a month

62. Retire the old family decorations and make a collection of handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree

63. Have professional photo taken

64. Build a cigar box purse

65. Re-learn to read music

66. Re-learn to play the keyboard and practice at least one song every day for two weeks

67. Needle point pillow cases

68. Get a spray tan

69. Make a pie on Pi day-3-14-2012

70. Buy a weaving loom

71. Make paper

72. Make new curtains for the dining room

73. Install or build a fire pit in the backyard

74. Paint a scene of the beach under the full moon light

75. Watch the Wizard of Oz while playing Dark Side of the Moon

76. Have a Jell-O shot

77. Get a Nativity Set

78. Add 100 new words to my vocabulary

79. Plant roses in back yard

80. Make bath bombs

81. Re-start Weight Watchers-Lose 5 pounds a month for 15 months

82. Make homemade marshmallows and roast over fire pit, make s’mores

 
83. Become Microsoft Office certified

84. Cook barbecued/smoked ribs on the grill

85. Find a great red dress and a great black dress and buy them (or make them)

86. Take a firearms course

87. Say I love you in 10 languages-in progress (5-10)

88. Make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me

89. Take a photo every day for a month

90. Go to Christmas Mass

91. Make a sweet corn salsa

92. Re-decorate the bathroom

93. Stretch every morning for a month

94. Decorate for Christmas-with the Victorian decorations.

95. Make a no flour chocolate cake

96. Re-learn French and to properly swear, to increase my French vocabulary, learn a new word or phrase each week.

97. Build a pinhole camera

98. Go to Las Vegas

99. Listen to and learn about Cuban music

100. Find a personally inspirational quote and work it into a piece of art or home decor

101. Make 5 pairs of sleep pants or shorts

102. Watch 26 movies I've never seen starting with each letter of the Alphabet

103. Build a piece of furniture

104. Document accomplishing each thing (photo or journaling)

105. On Day 1001, make a new list

As is my custom, there are 105 things on my list of 101 things LOL

Here I am......

saying I'm going to blog more regularly, and then not doing it.  Seven months, this time.  I've thought of numerous things I wanted to blog about, but didn't get around to it.  I didn't have the time, wanted to post pictures, etc.....mostly it's wanting to post pictures.  Let's face it a blog with pictures is more interesting than one without.  I'll just try to wing it without pictures for a few posts though.  Lots of things have happened since last June.  I'll just give a brief explanation of the latest, and move on from there.  Numerous medical issues.   The latest over Christmas was that I had that nasty bug that was going around.  I was so sick I spent most of the week leading up to Christmas and the week after in bed, trying to rest and feel human.  Hubby waited on me, cooked for me and did everything he could to make me feel better.  Then my birthday was the 21st of January.  Hubby got me a beautiful Pandora bracelet. We went to Romano's Macroni Grill, where I had my favorite meal of warm spinach and scallops.  More than made up for Christmas which I can hardly  remember.  Then I had surgery to remove a mass just underneath my right ear on the 24th.  At first it felt like I had been hit with a baseball, now it just feels as though I've been hit by Mohammed Ali a couple of times.  So I'm definitely on the mend.  I'll probably be going back to work later this week, but I'll try to post at least once a week.

I always have good intentions to blog more regularly, but, alas, I just get caught up in other things and don't get it done.  In my last post I promised a picture of the "raw materials" I was using to make a brush roll for my acrylic nail and nail art brushes.  I've been working on the brush roll and have the construction completed, but need to add a few more embellishments.

This is the "raw materials."  I got another  piece of purple fabric and used the batik fabric in the inside of the roll.  I added a nail covered with glitter to each of the ties, one in purple glitter and one in pink glitter.  There is also a pink embossed lip print on the inside flap on the left side.  I'm going to add some beads, embroider my name, and add a few other embellishments as time allows.

I'm also adding a picture of the nail polish display I made showing some of my nail polish.  I'm going to make a bigger one as soon as I can.  I'll probably use this one as a spice rack.

My Week in a Nutshell

Working at least one day this week.  Continuing my search for a full time job.

Reading Flood by Andrew Vachss.

Doing at least one creative thing each day.

Making fish tacos.  I've never had them before, but they look yummy in the picture in my Weight Watchers    book.  I might make a sweet corn salsa too. 

Working out as much as my back will allow.

 

I didn't get the pictures of my materials and supplies for my brush carrier taken.  I spent most of the  day reading my magazines, trying to get caught up.  I have to work tomorrow, but I'll try to get it done tomorrow evening.  I'm going to try to get the pieces cut tomorrow too.

Who doesn't love a wedding??  I certainly do, especially one that has all the pomp and circumstance of a royal wedding.  I DVR'd it and watched it Friday night.   The media kept referring to Cate as a commoner.  I do understand what they mean, but there is nothing "common" about her.  She is an exceptional young woman.  It cannot be easy being scrutinized by not only your fellow countrymen, but, by the entire world.  I wish them a long and happy life together.

The broadcasts on CNN didn't really show a lot of the damage the tornado did in Ringgold.  There are home videos on youtube.  This is one of them.

     

    

Sewing and Creativity

I finished sewing up McCall's 6287 a couple of days ago, but I didn't get a chance to remove the basting until this evening.  It looks exactly as it does on the pattern cover, although a little uneven hanging on a hanger.   I'll be making a pair of white pants to wear it with.  I have a silver cuff, a silver chain, and white sandals I'll accessorize it with.  The style may be a little young for me, but I don't care.  I love it!

I went to Joann's today and picked up three of the patterns on my list.  McCall's 5972 (view B, I had a dress similar to this when I was younger),  Butterick 5600, and 5357, the webwsite reports this as pattern of the week.  I'm thinking I'll make B5600, view C, in a coral pink linen that I saw on Denver Fabrics.

The days I haven't been sewing I've been working on a simple pattern for a folding carrier for all my nail brushes, including the brushes for acrylic, gel, and all my nail art brushes.  I have about 9 or 10, and I want an altered art/modern quilt type carrier.  I have most of the materials and supplies.  I'll post a pic of the raw materials tomorrow.  I've been doing nail art, too,  and will post pics of those nails when I get a couple more finished.

I am so grateful that all my family that lived in Ringgold, GA survived the tornado.  Some friends have lost all their possessions, including their homes, but they are alive.  That is the most important thing.

My Week in a Nutshell

Looking for a full-time job.
Going to Walmart for dog supplies, lots of flippie chips and pig sticks!  LOL
Checking out Walgreens for Sinful Colors nail polish, it's 99¢ this week.  There are some beautiful colors!
Sewing and knitting for a few minutes each day.  I'll finish the knit top today.  I just have to hem the neckline.
Watching a few favorite TV shows while I ride my stationary bike.  Continue training for the 5k walk Weight Watchers is having in May.
I think I'll work on my 101 Things too.  I haven't done much work on the list lately.

Knitting

What I've done, what I haven't and I what I want to do

The rules: Mark with bold the things you have knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.

Afghan - I think I'd rather crochet an afghan.  In fact, it's a work in progress.
I-cord -   If it's needed for a project.
Garter stitch - of course
Knitting with metal wire-not yet.  I want to make Sea Tangles, not metal wire per se, but "a fine silk yarn with an even finer steel wire inside it."
Shawl- 
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up-I think this is a must for knitters, even if it's just one pair.  Just for the experience.
Knitting with camel yarn -
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk 
Moebius band knitting 
Participating in a KAL - maybe depends on the item
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns - 
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting 
Twisted stitch patterns
Two end knitting
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Charity knitting- when I get a lot better and faster
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing - just a sweater for my AG doll
Knitting with circular needles  
Baby items- only for my "reborn" doll
Knitting with your own hand-spun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments - not really my thing.  maybe if I get a lot better
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Branching out
Publishing a knitting book
Participate in an exchange
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit - I don't have the patience
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money-No 
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…) - 
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars -
Knitting with someone else’s hand-spun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit - I don't have the patience
Bobbles
Knitting for a living- NO.  I won't turn something I enjoy doing to relax into a job.
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks -   maybe
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Knitted flowers
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn - 
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Free-form knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/arm-warmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an on-line knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom- Sounds like fun
Thrummed knitting - 
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair- maybe
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

As you can tell, I'm a new knitter and don't have a lot of experience.   I want to knit a lot of different things, I'm slow but I'll eventually get everything done.  LOL

Why is blogger

being so difficult to edit html and post pictures too?  What a pain in the ass.  I hate when my posts aren't neatly aligned.  OCD.  LOL  In the overall scheme of things not a big deal, but, damn.  It should just work the way it is supposed to work.  It won't even let me cut and paste.  Does anyone know what is going on? This is just pissing me off.  Sorry.  I suppose I could try using a different computer.  But, again, it should work the way it is supposed to work.   So if it appears correctly ya know I edited it on my laptop. Anyway.........                                                                                                 

Okay,  I didn't sew Wednesday, Thursday or today.  But I did do something creative.  Wednesday I drew up simple plans for a display for my nai polish.  Yesterday I went to Lowe's and picked up the materials and supplies.  It took me a couple of hours to make the display.  As you can see there are two shelves I still need to put the fronts on.    I have to go back and get another piece of molding.  I didn't realize that the piece I got was only eight feet long.    This is basically a practice display.    I'll make another, bigger one in a few months and curve the upper edges on the side pieces and put a saying and/or some sort of carving above the top shelf.  Overall, Im pleased with the way this one came out.   

 

Today I did a fill in on my nails.  The ones on my left hand were really good. I hardly had to file at all.  But the ones on my right hand, looked like they had been done by someone who rarely picks up a brush.  The creative part came in when I did my nail art.  Nothing fancy today.  Two shades of pink polish layered over one another and black and gold stripes on four of the nails.  I did better putting down the stripes with my left hand than I did putting down the acrylic.           

I have been enjoying watching Criminal Minds lately.  I enjoy the interaction between Penelope Garcia, played by Kirsten Vangsness and Derek Morgan played by Shemar Moore.  Who I might add is one fine male speciman. mmm mmmm mmmmmm  LOL

Tomorrow, I'll be going shopping at Sephora.  There is now a Sephora inside J.C. Penney's at Tyrone Mall. Sephora is one of my favorite places to shop.  LOL    I'll probably go to Joann's too.  I think Simplicity patterns are "on sale" for $1.99 this weekend.