Happy Summer!

I can't believe that summer is here!  Although I like summer, I would have to say I've already had enough of the 100+ weather we've been having.  I mean it's so hot and dry that my skin sizzles, even in the shade!  I guess one saving grace is that we do have a pool.  But even the water is hot!  I can't even say "hey let's jump in the pool and cool off" because jumping into the pool is like jumping into a hot spring...not at all refreshing on a hot day.  So what are some good things about summer?  I would have to say the 4th of July.  Yup, it's one of my favorite holidays.  The barbeque, friends, family, and of course the magnificent display that shoots across the night sky.  I guess you can say it makes me feel nostalgic.  Actually when I look back on my childhood summers, the 4th of July seems to be the first thing that pops into my head.  Unfortunately, over the past couple of years the weather here has been so incredibly dry that fireworks have become illegal.  And this year it doesn't look like that will change.  I guess we'll have to rely on the city to put on there semi-decent firework display and the numerous boxes of sparklers we always seem to have on hand!

There are some other things that make summer bearable.  Here are a few...

The Bomb Pop.  Hands down the best popsicle ever!

 

Margarita's.  Need I say more?

 

Iced cold watermelon!   

 

By the way, I would be remiss if I didn't pass along this link for the best watermelon-basil margaritas!  Check it out here

The beach.  Although I live nowhere near a beach, I do dream about it daily!

 

And last but certainly not least, a vacation or stay-cation.  Whatever happens to be in your budget!  Of course, I would always prefer a vacation!  Here are a few places I would LOVE to visit this summer...

Beautiful Cancun!

 

San Fransisco

And of course, the happiest place on earth!  (insert big smile)

 

I would like to be the first to wish you all a safe and blessed summer.  I hope you make summer memories that will last a lifetime!  Until next time my friends.

Always,

Christine

 

Random Middle of the Night Thoughts

As you can tell by the title of this blog post I have some random thoughts to share.  You see, I have a problem and it's called SLEEP.  Now I know that most of you can't wait to get into your cozy beds and drift off into a comfortable slumber.  For me it's not so easy.  I don't know that I am an insomniac, however, I rarely get 2 or 3 hours of sleep a night and often times those hours are not consecutive.  Yes, it sucks and I am always tired.  Last night I couldn't help but wonder as I lay wide awake if the constant running of my brain has anything to do with it.  Now when I mean constant I mean constant.  Like it doesn't shut off, ever.  It's like I jump from one thought to another.  So to entertain you, I thought I would share some random thoughts that entered my mind last night.  So without further ado...

I wish there really was a Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy.  I mean who wouldn't want to carry a wand and cast spells whenever they wanted? 

What should I make for dinner tomorrow night?  (by the way, it is 2:24 p.m. and I still do not know what I'm making for dinner)

I should start Christmas shopping early to prevent a stressful holiday season.  I will start making a list in the morning.  (it is 2:27 p.m. and no such list has been started)

I really wish Downton Abbey was a show that ran all year long.  Like no breaks at all.

Is Reid from Criminal Minds really that smart in real life?  I bet he is.

I can't wait for back to school supply shopping.  (totally a thought from the teacher side of me)

Oh my gosh,  Taylor (my daughter) graduates in 3 years!  (insert panic)

We should really start going on college road trips.

Why is it so freaking hot? 

Tomorrow I will search Pinterest for recipes to make homemade ice cream.  (I searched and found a recipe for peanut butter ice cream...I'll let you know how it turns out)

I wish I could fall asleep.

So there you have it.  While others are enjoying a peaceful night's sleep these are the things that are bouncing around in my mind.  So I have one question for you.  How do you shut your mind off and fall asleep?  I would LOVE to know.

Always,
Christine

Super Share (June Edition)

Hi Everyone!  So happy you stopped in.  Today I am linking up with Jennifer over at Jennuine Crafts for a fun new monthly link up called Super Share.  Basically you share your favorite crafty items (tools, supplies, etc.), Instagram photos, Tweets, and pins from Pinterest.  You can choose to share something from all areas or whatever your loving at the time.  So without further ado, here are my super shares for this month...

Crafty Finds

OK, so I am in LOVE with these Prima Doll Stamps!  They are so beautiful and girly that I can't help but get giddy every time I use them.  I have used them to make cards, altered tags, gift bags, etc. the possibilities are endless and you can make them super intricate or very simple.  If you are a lover of stamps like me, these are a must have!  I cannot wait for the new stamps to come out this summer, they are beautiful!

 

So I know that washi tape is all the rage.  However, what I've been loving lately is fabric washi tape.  It tears just as easily as paper washi tape but I think that fabric washi tape just brings certain projects to the next level.  I am also loving the idea of full sheet (12x12) fabric washi tape.  This allows you to use larger pieces for certain projects.  If you love paper washi tape, I'm sure you'll love the fabric washi tape just as much.

  

Now for the big kahuna...the Silhouette Cameo.  Can I just say that this machine is the most amazing thing that I have ever purchased (craft-wise).  I am constantly using it and couldn't imagine crafting without it.  Now I did start with a Cricut Expression and still do use it, but I find myself gravitating more and more towards my Cameo.  The idea of not having to fuss with any cartridges and having just about any image at your fingertips is just a plus in my book.  While the Cameo is pricey, I have to say that it is worth every penny.  The possibilities are endless with this machine.  If you're on the fence about it, I suggest jumping off and trying it out!

 

Pinterest Pick

Have I told you lately that I love Pinterest.  I love looking at...everything!  Especially crafty goodness.    However, I decided to pick a craft space that I would love to call my own!  

 

All I can say about the above picture is absolutely stunning.

So that's it for my Super Share for June.  You should definitely stop over at Jennuine Crafts and check it out.  

Thanks for stopping by!

Christine

 

I Have the Itch to go...Anywhere

Lately I've had the itch to go, to leave, to excuse myself from reality and see what I'm missing out in the land of everywhere.  I'm not one who can say that I've traveled extensively.  Yeah, I've been here and there and to Mexico once, but I feel that my soul hasn't been satisfied in the realm of traveling.  Now when I say "traveling" I do mean seeing other countries, however, what most intrigues me is meeting  new people and learning about how they live.  I want to know how their lives differ from mine and maybe gain some insight on living a happier, more fulfilled life.  The idea of sitting with someone new and hearing their story is exciting.  I can imagine myself, journal in hand, writing fiercely as I listen to their stories and find out what makes them tick, what their passion is, their views on family, work, and life.  I want to hear how they spend their time and what is most valuable to them. 

I often see shows or read articles or stories that highlight certain cultures and how they may differ from our own.  At times it's astonishing to see how they live with so little, yet have full hearts.  I
 wonder if it's because they do not know any different or if it is sometimes by choice.  I saw a picture recently in a magazine of a family of 6 who lives in a one room home.  Yes, one room.  Kinda like a studio apartment.  Yet their faces were filled with joy, excitement, and pride as they posed for this picture. It made me wonder what it is that makes them so happy.  That is what I want to find out.  That is why I want to go...anywhere. To have the opportunity to learn from others.  It doesn't have to be somewhere magical like Paris or Rome.  But somewhere I can go and take in the daily goings on of ordinary people in an otherwise unfamiliar place to me. 

Yes, this is what I thought about on the past uneventful holiday weekend.  However, the more I think of it and write about it, the more I want to go...anywhere to learn anything I possibly can about this world I call home.

Always,

Christine

 

Have a Good One!

I just wanted to take a quick minute to wish you all a safe and memorable Memorial Day Weekend! 

 

Always,

Christine

Organization...It's Calling Me

I am so not organized.  There I said it.  I've always had a problem organizing.  Whether it's my thoughts, closet, life, craft space, kitchen, etc. I lack the skill of organization.  However, I have decided it might be time to get somewhat organized.  I see these pins on Pinterest and videos on YouTube about organization and they blow my mind.  Who has time to be so organized and on top of things?  Is it you by chance?  Because if it is, I'd love to hear how you do it.  Anyway, I decided the best way to start organizing my life is to have a plan.  Write it down.  Make it happen.  I'm somewhat o.k. with writing lists so I thought I would start by ordering a Filofax to help organize my schedule.  And let me tell ya, those things can be quite expensive.  So, I ordered the cheapest one they had the Filofax Domino.  Snagged it on Amazon for $29.90 including shipping.  Here's what it looks like:

 

Yes, of course I ordered pink...go figure.  While on my journey to find something that will help me organize I ran across YouTube videos on setting up and using your Filofax.  You guys, I had no idea how many videos there were on Filofax's...again, mind blown.   There are some great tips on organization and using your Filofax properly to get the most out of it.  I mean you can have a "dashboard" in you planner that helps with the most important things that need to get done, you can decorate it with stickers, colored paper, sticky notes, and even journal in it (which of course was a huge plus for me).  

So how do you guys organize?  Is it something that comes naturally to you?  Or are you like me and have to really plan it out?  I'd love to hear your ideas and comments.  How about a video when I get my Filofax?  Let me know in comments if you'd like to see one.

Changing the Definition of Success

 

If you were to say these words to me a year ago, I would have completely disagreed with you.  You see, I have always had the idea that your success is determined by how busy you are.  Sounds crazy right?  But in my mind if you were running around "doing" things that you were being successful.  Even if I was dropping off my daughter at school, running to the post office, grocery shopping, etc. I felt like I was so busy.  And busy equals success right?  I guess you could say that I had a warped view of success.   So when I say this saying it kinda slapped me right in the face.  I have been struggling lately with the idea of just living an ordinary life.  I mean my life is ordinary, but I do love it.  I love the idea of being able to spend time with my family whenever I want and not having high power lunch meetings or having to travel constantly for work.  

 

I consider having options a good thing.  I don't know about you, but as I get older all I really want to do is live simply and calmly.  No drama, no stress, and certainly no regrets.  I'm not gonna lie, I used to see a "successful" woman and think "I wonder what she does."  Now I'll see a similar woman and ask myself "I wonder if she thinks it's worth it".  I mean some people are totally wired for fast paced lives and I'm not saying they're making the wrong choice.  I'm just saying that it's the wrong choice for me.  And as far as living simply and calmly I could kick myself for not making the decision to do so earlier in life.  There is one thing however, that I'd like to make clear...I still LOVE to dream and dream BIG.  And who knows, maybe a dream or two will come to fruition in this beautiful life.  So, what are your thoughts on living calmly and simply?  Do you struggle with the thought of keeping up and being a "success"?  Because if you are, please know that the definition of success is what we make it to be. For me, success is now defined as living a life I'm happy with and not ever having any regrets.  What's your definition of success?

Always,

Christine