Jaw Dropping and Heart Stopping…

I found a gorgeous craft area on Pinterest—I find a lot of gorgeous craft areas and other stuff on Pinterest. But this little one got me. I had to remember to close my mouth after my jaw dropped. It is so simple--pretty and bright and organized!

I wanted to know more so I sought out the original source (Etsy: The Storque) and found a wonderful article. This time, my heart almost stopped because I recognized myself so clearly in the author’s words. The article is short and worth the read.

I have felt guilty for a lot of things lately…not getting things done, having too many things to do, wanting to do everything myself, overwhelmed and crashing, and on and on. This article is not just for DIY-ing, it is a good philosophy for my life.

I know I have posted very little lately. I have been caught between wanting to do more and watching my audience grow and then wondering why it all matters. There are a ton of wonderful blogs, sites, and pin boards out there. My little blog is not the prettiest, craftiest, expert-est, or any other “est” around. But, it is my place to share. I guess I need to provide a disclaimer, though. I can’t let my blog or craft projects take over my whole life. I need time to live my real life and enjoy it while I am at it.

I will still post projects and tutorials from time to time, but I can’t promise when or with what frequency. I hope you will still follow along—who doesn’t like an audience? But, at least you know what’s going on. Thank you so much for the kind emails wondering what happened to me. I’m here, I’m fine, and I am really living my life--thanks! 

Please tell me I am not the only who feels this way. And, don’t forget to read that article. It is a good reality check for anyone who likes to craft!

Guest Post on Snips and Spice

 (click picture to link to my post)

I got to guest post for the lovely Malory at Snips and Spice on her birthday (kind of ;) so I made her a treat!

I hope you will go check out my {Zero Calorie} Cupcakes!

(Yeah, there’s really no such thing as true “zero calorie” yummy-ness is there?)

Guess where I am today?

Yep! I am participating in this series:


How fun, right?

I hope you hop over there, check out my project and leave me a little love!

Back in School and Back to the Blog!!!

OK, my older children are back in school today and I think I might be back! (I know, I know...the rest of you have been back for weeks, but I have hung on to every last bit of summer! We don't go back until the day after Labor Day every year so please forgive me for posting this so "late"--it's on time for us. 

I shared this on The CSI project last week.)

I have learned a lot of stuff about myself this summer and one thing is that I enjoy my family more than I realized and that blogging takes me away from them. I don't want to give up blogging, but I have to say that I need to slow the pace a bit. Please hang in there with me and don't give up just because I am not pumping out as much stuff--hopefully you can still get lots of good ideas here!

Each year, I like to send my children to back to school with a small gift for the teacher. While I have pretty good children, it never hurts to make the first impression a good one! I try to send in gifts that the teacher can really use. This is one of my favorites!

And, of course, it’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Materials

4 inch wood post

(You will only use a few inches depending on how many note holders you want.)

brown and black paint

white paint pen

wood glue

mini clothespin (Regular sized work, too.)

Instructions

Yep, I told you it was easy! But, while it is very simple and practical, it’s a gift that won’t get tossed on a shelf.

Since I am sure absolutely everyone must be back in school by now, don't forget you can use this idea for Teacher Appreciation in the spring or as an End of the Year gift for your favorite teacher.