Currently

I am...

beyond happy that March is over!
making a new spring wreath.
reading Just One Day.
catching up on Project Life.
wishing I was on a warm, sunny beach.
listing new earrings in the shop.
trying to figure out a plan to make April the best month yet!

What are you up to?

Charlie

Currently

I am...

making Valentine's goodies.
adding new sizes of earrings to the shop (check it out).
looking for inspiration.
reading Every Day by David Levithan.
trying to organize all my Project Life things.
enjoying not taking blogging too seriously (don't worry, things are getting back on track).
watching Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars and The Following.
dreaming of a mini getaway.
thankful the sun is shining, even though it is freezing!

What are you currently up to?
Charlie

Farewell 2013

2013, you were a good year... not too much happened, but I really like it that way! My most memorable moments would have to be:

- going on a girls getaway.

- making it into a magazine!!

- taking mini vacations around the state.

- having products in multiple weddings!

- reading all kinds of books.

I am so excited for my year of more!! I have been setting things up for success! Making plans for trips, dreaming up things I want to do, and being a little more daring (with craft supplies of course). 

Charlie

2014

My one word for 2014 is more. As I was thinking of resolutions they all had the word more in it. I know that word has kind of a negative connotation, but I don't mean more things. I mean... Do more with less, enjoy more at home, believe more in myself, have more faith, be more content. There is more to be had in life than material things and I just want to simply live more in all of the moments!

So, in 2014 I hope to...
travel more, learn more, create more, see more, laugh more, enjoy more, believe more, sleep more, explore more, simplify more, read more, watch more, do more, clean more, cook more, list more, journal more, capture more, give more, listen more, dare more, smile more, fail more, play more, disagree more, plan more, relax more.

This is me fearlessly choosing a word that might make people think negative things about me, but this is me also fearlessly not caring!

What are your resolutions for 2014? Did you choose a word?

Charlie

30 Days of Lists

This is the end for December! I enjoyed keeping up with 30 Days of Lists this month... though these lists are much more simple than ones of the past. December is so busy that I am just glad to keep up. For some reason, between the holidays and Thomas having time off work it is hard for me to remain crafty (anyone else?). I am slowly getting back into the swing of things, and have dreamed up lots of ideas for the new year! 

How was your holiday?

Charlie

30 Days of Lists

December 30 Days of Lists is going well. I am attempting to use very simple things... I am using a Snap book I had laying around and I bought these Christmas Journaling cards at Michael's. Add stickers, glitters tape and some numbers, and TA-DA a simple project I can actually keep up with! 

Can you believe it is 9 days till Christmas? I still have decorating to do.... and things to make! Yikes, tell me I am not alone here? 

Charlie

Right Now

I am...

sleeping all the sleep.

learning Heart and Soul on the piano.

slowly decorating for Christmas.

working on the DIY to make the Christmas wreath above.

enjoying as much coconut milk ice cream as I can.

listening to Dearly Devoted Dexter as I craft.

keeping up with 30 days of lists.

watching Home Alone often!

What are you up to?

Charlie

Be Thankful

The last list!

I am thankful...

23. to have found this gluten free/vegan donut recipe.

24. for warm pajamas and cozy blankets.

25. to love to create.

26. to still have my mother.

27. for family traditions.

28. to see the pretty snow and not have to drive in it.

29. to have a dishwasher.

30. for long, wandering conversations.

It took the whole weekend to recover from hosting Thanksgiving. I am not sure I have ever been so exhausted. Hosting was such a whirlwind that I didn't even take one picture... I barely ever knew where my phone was! Oh well, it was a treat to have it in our home and learning so much from my mother made it all worth it. Now, onto all the Christmas fun!!

You can still get 20% off your purchase in the shop using code THANKSGIVING20. It is good till midnight tonight! Also, if you add a little message with your order to let me know that you're a blog reader, I will include a little surprise!! 

Charlie

Being Thankful

I love this print, don't you? You can get a free 4x6 download of it over at French Press Mornings!

I know some people think making a list of things to be thankful for is silly and that you should be doing something more. Well, here is my reply to those people. Have you ever tried it on a really hard day when it feels like not one thing has gone your way? It can seem almost impossible to feel thankful for something. Even on seemingly normal days, it can be quite the task.

Yes, my list may be of simple, ordinary things, but I am truly thankful for those simple, ordinary things on a really bad day (or even on a very normal day). I keep this list because most of the time I get caught up in wanting things I don't need and feeling like I am less because I don't have them. So before you go off and believe that I am missing the point, think again. I do this because I want to be more thankful in life for all the things I do have, no matter how small. This little 30 days exercise helps me refocus before the crazy (want driven) holiday season.

I am thankful for...
13. those people who choose to support the handmade community.
14. clean sheets after a hot bath.
15. unseasonably warm days.
16. down time.
17. the ability to volunteer my time with a youth group.
18. good curl days.
19. grandma-made winter quilts.
20. cinnamon candles.
21. the luxury of going to the movies.
22. Thomas' vacation days.

So I challenge you, if you think it is easy... try it for this last week of November!

Charlie

You can find 1-12 here!

Being Thankful

I've been keeping a list just like last year... I really enjoy the focus on the good! If you're not doing it already, I highly recommend it and it is never too late to start! In case you can't read my messy handwriting, here is the list:

I am thankful...
- for sunshine on crisp fall days.
- for access to a library.
- for sweater weather.
- for good friends.
- for pretty fall color.
- for my husband.
- that I can sleep in.
- that polka dots exist.
- that my mom will still make me dinner.
- for the heat in my home.
- for movie nights in.
- for tea, ALL the tea!

What are you thankful for?

Charlie

Hello November

This November I am going to keep the tradition I started last year (would that be a tradition?) of writing down something I am thankful for everyday. It was a nice reminder to be grateful, especially when all the Christmas craziness is beginning! I also have some new things to list in the shop, projects I want to share and a few blog updates to finish up. Is there anything special that you would like to see in this month?

November might just be my favorite month. Sorry October. You're really good, but November has:

-Pretty color everywhere

-Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday)

-Fluffy birds

-Cinnamon baked goods

-Fires in the fireplace

-The smell of snow in the air

-The excitement of Christmas

-Coats and scarves (I love scarves)

-Leaf piles

I'm sure there is more that I am just not thinking of... What are your favorite things about November?

Charlie 

Weekend Plans

Yay, it's the weekend! This week felt so full of all the things and I am very ready for the weekend, even if we are a bit busy. Here is what I am hoping to do:

- Watch some not so scary movies.

- Pick out a crochet project to start from my new Simple Crochet book (I am so behind).

- Make these cute foxes from Paper Source and put them all over the house.

- Attempt to dye these amazing thrifted boots a darker brown. Any tips?

We also have a wedding this weekend and those are always a blast. I just hope my allergies will subside long enough to let me enjoy myself!

What are you plans this weekend?

Charlie

Halloween Faves on Netflix

Found here.

I love watching scary movies, especially this time of year.  Here are some of my faves that are currently streaming on Netflix.

Not so scary:
ParaNorman
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Goosebumps (a show, not a movie)

More scary (thriller):
Scream 1-3
Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers
The Pact
Zodiac
Children of the Corn
House at the End of the Street
Paranormal Activity 3, 4
Bride of Chucky

What are your favorite movies to watch this time of year?

Charlie

Right Now

I am...

very ready for the weekend.
listening to this song over and over, can't stop.
really enjoying art journaling/journaling again... it has been awhile.
attempting to take pictures of the birds with my new-to-me 55-200mm lens.
still trying to comprehend that Breaking Bad is really over... Mr. White!
dealing with the loss of my spirit animal Deborah Morgan, yes I enjoy TV.
reading a book written in verse, a first for me.
building up my things-to-crochet list.
sewing everything without fear of messing up. Very freeing and I've messed up!
gathering supplies to make these cute yarn pumpkins.


What are you up to right now? I'd really love to know!
Charlie

30 Days of Lists

I think 23 and 26 could be my favorite lists out of them all. Something freeing about just putting it out there!

It was lots of fun and I am so glad I finished this year and didn't let myself fall behind. Thank you for helping me hold myself accountable... I am definitely looking forward to the next one! I have already started keeping a fall mini journal to keep track of my favorite season.

Charlie

Hello October!

The leaves are starting to change and the most beautiful time of year is beginning! Here is my list of must dos for October.

1. Go apple and pumpkin picking.
2. Take long walks as the leaves fall.
3. Go to the quaint little spot we found last year to enjoy all the colors.
4. Carve pumpkins.
5. Keep an autumn journal.
6. Attempt to make these donuts.
7. Light the fire place if it gets cool enough.
8. Do our annual scary movie marathon.

What is on your list?
Charlie

30 Days of Lists

Here are 8 more of my lists, not too many more to go!

Charlie

Must Have Post-its

Last week I shared a look inside my notebook where I gather ideas for craft projects. It was tidy, neat and efficient. That is not the case for catching fleeting ideas and inspiration as you can see above. Nothing can replace a Post-it to me. I need that little piece of sticky paper that you run the risk of losing 30 seconds later. It took me a long time to be okay with keeping ideas this way. I would try to make myself use little notebooks, but it just didn't work. Something about using a notebook made me feel like my lists had to be pretty and organized and using Post-its took the pressure off. 

When I go through the pile I have stuck to my desk, work table and wallet it is like treasure! Reading through all the ideas, quotes and random thoughts always re-inspires me. I feel most creative in a some what chaotic/messy environment, but I can't handle when things get out of order. Post-its help me keep just enough chaos, but in a structured way. Eventually, all the Post-its (that don't get lost) get organized and the information ends up on a list or in a journal when I can take the time to do so neatly.

Yes, I did just write an entire post about Post-its. 

Charlie

30 Days of Lists

This is not my first time participating in 30 Days of Lists, but this will be my first time finishing on time! I am determined to make it happen this year. I am sharing my first 12 to hold myself accountable to finish it out. Plus, there are some funny things on these lists. Please excuse my messy handwriting... I am trying to keep this easy and fun! I am using a mini Moleskine and limited supplies so that I don't get overwhelmed with options.

Are you participating in this year?

Charlie

29

My birthday was on the 30th and I took some time to write myself a little list of reminders for the year. Sometimes I get caught up in all of the 'getting older and have to be a grown-up' thinking. Then I remind myself it is just a number, and with age comes wisdom... so bring it on! I know that my 29 doesn't have to look like anyone else's 29.

In my 29th year I will...

- remember that clothes are not sold by age.
- not fear turning 30 for one minute!
- do the things that make me happy first, so I can be in a better place to serve those around me.
- accept my homebody status.
- cherish all of the moments with friends and family.
- continue to enjoy colorful nail polish.
- photograph it all.
- stop trying to make myself a morning person.
- be secure in the fact that God loves me even if I am not blessed with a child.
- push past all the what ifs.
- not stifle my inner child.
- still own coloring books.
- sleep with the TV on.
- read young adult lit.

Does anyone else get infuriated with the "you should dress your age" comment? Please tell me I am not alone!

Charlie