One of "those" days!

Have you ever had one of those days when you would just like to crawl back in bed and cover up your head?  Well today is one of them for me.  I am trying really hard to not be frustrated or grumpy but it is taking an extra measure of patience today.  I would love to be locked in my craftroom doing "my" thing, but alas I am at the office trying to work. 

Thinking about my family always cheers me up.  I have been so blessed...two amazing parents that love and support me, a incredible Godly husband, two fabulous boys who are the joy of my life, a wonderful daughter-in-law and many family and friends.  I guess I just needed to count my blessings to get a better perspective on my life. 

My mom is the most amazing woman I have ever met.  She is talented beyond measure.  I would love to post some of her crafty creations on my blog although she would put me to shame.  You should see some of the quilts she has made...so very talented.  I don't think there is a craft that she has not tackled.  She is a seamtress, a cook, a quilter, a painter, a "rug" hooker, and many more.  Some of her quilts are done entirely by hand...simply amazing!  I guess I got some of my "crafty-ness" from her.  She inspires me to work hard, to do my best, and live a faithfully.  On top of all my mom does, she is the primary caregiver for my grandfather (97 years old).  Can I just say that my mom is my Hero?..because she is, along with being my best friend.  I know I can always count on her to pull me through the rough spots and rejoice with me in the victories.  I am posting the bracelet I made for my mom for Mother's Day. 

Mother's Day Bracelet

The bracelet is from the Jewlery Shoppe Findings Collection.  I used DSWV spring brads for the insides of the jewels.  I filled in the rest of the bezel with ICE Resin.

H-O-T in Texas.

Yesterday, I spent most of the day being crafty...making cards, baby gifts, and other assorted paper crafts.  I got some really cool cut files from from SVG Cuts this weekend.  (Pictures coming soon!)   After several projects, I ran into a "craft" roadblock (actually I was bored with my paper selection.  I guess a trip to the scrapbook store is in my future.)  I decided it was time for a break from the craftroom and was time to be crafty in the kitchen.  I don't know which I love more, baking or crafting!  Both give me an outlet to be creative. Although being on a diet has curbed my desire to bake recently  because I live by the rule "If you bake it, you must eat it!"

It has been incredibly hot in Texas this summer...everyday has been in the 100's.  Yesterday, was at least 107 and there does not seem to be any relief in sight.  I wanted to make something cool and refreshing...Key Lime Pie was the winner. 

My Key Lime Pie

Recipe:  This recipe came from Key West, Florida. 

Crust
1 1/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs
3 T. sugar
1/2 cup of shredded toasted coconut
1/3 cup of melted butter

Mix together and place in a greased springfrom pan.  Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.  Cool completely

Filling
1 can of Eagle's Brand Milk
2-3 T. of key lime zest
2 egg yolks (no whites)
1/2 cup key lime juice

Mix together

Topping
1 pint of Heavy Whipping Cream
3 T. sugar

Whip until stiff peaks appear

Lightly fold 1/2 of the whipped cream into the filling and place in cooled crust.

Use the remaining whipped cream for the topping.  Garnish with key limes.   Freeze for a least 3 hours.  Store in the freezer.  Makes 10-12 slices. 

Enjoy!  Let me know what you think.

Being Thoughtful...

This is a concept that I am working on.  I made a decision at the beginning of this year to try harder at being  thoughtful and mindful of others.  Have I perfected the art of being thoughtful?  NO WAY but I am trying and struggling at times.  I want to be someone that thinks about others first.  Most of my life, I have spent way too much time thinking about myself and doing what is best for me.  I pray that God will continue to guide me on this journey. 

This week I made a couple of gifts for co-workers...(shhhh, their birthdays aren't until next week)

The Candy Bar wrapper holds a 4 oz candy bar!
Who doesn't love chocolate?

The front cover

The Candy Bar Wrapper is from SVGcuts blog (Bonus...it is a free file) The rosettes and flowers are from the SVGCuts "Made in the USA" set.  SVGCuts is one of my favorites.  Be sure to check out SVGCuts for lots of cool cut files and awesome tutorials,  click here to check them out.  I also used some cool Baker's twine from the Twinery.  I just got my order yesterday and could not wait to put it to use.   Check out the Twinery's blog.

A glimpse of my "crafty" haven

Today, I thought I would share my "crafty" room with you.  I am blessed to have a room all my own...with a house full of boys this was no easy feat.  Especially with their love of music and all the equipment that goes along with their passion...drums, guitars, amps, saxophones, keyboards...just to name a few.  My haven is not perfect but it definately fits my personality..."not perfect".  Actually, I prefer it that way.  Here is a glimpse of my "crafty" haven.  If you  have a suggestions to make it better, I am all ears.  Can you tell I love the color, aqua?  It reminds me of  the cool waters of the caribbean...sometimes a girl just has to have an escape.  Truthfully, I love my life!  I am blessed beyond measure! 

My Crafty Haven



My life is filled with blessings so I made this cute banner to remind myself to count them everyday!



The banner was made using the Cricut "Tie the Knot" Cartridge.   

Hopefully, this weekend I can upload some of my previous projects so that you can see some of the other "crafty" things I have been creating.  I welcome your comments and suggestions.  It is my prayer and dream to submit some of my projects to a design team in the near future. 

My First Post

I decided that it is about time that I get on the band wagon and start posting some of my crafty "creations".  I will always try to give credit to the original owner of the files I use and send you to their blogs if possible.  There are so many "crafters" out there and blogging is a great source for creative ideas. 

Next week is a crazy week at the university.  Our summer camp, Encounter will happen.  We will have about 800 guest on our campus.  The Admissions office always hosts several events for the incoming freshman.  My creation for today was the invitation I made for one of the events.  We are taking the students to a local Shaved Ice Place for a treat.  The invitation is designed to attach to their name tag so they can remember the details during the week. 

I designed the svg file of the surfboard and used the school logo to accent my invitation.  If you would like a copy of the svg file, feel free to email me.  I am learning how to post links so you can download the files.  Hopefully, I will have lots more coming in the future. 

Surfboard Invitations