Blogging- As A Profession

Wow! I am daily amazed at all of the talented people out there in blog land! Many of whom have children and seem to post new crafts or design projects that they are working on..on a daily or weekly basis. I was beginning to feel like a blogger failure. Then I just told myself that this is something I enjoy getting inspiration from and that it is not necessary for me to post something everyday or heck even every week. I am so thankful for all of you who do. It is almost like a second job for many of you. I can see many of the blogs develop into a business. Selling your creations on Etsy, providing design services online and other things of the sorts.
Here are a few of my favorite blogs whose creators spend so much of their precious time for us to enjoy...thanks!!!!
http://littlemissmomma.blogspot.com/
http://tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com
http://primitiveandproper.blogspot.com
http://www.theletteredcottage.net/
http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/

My new collection

I always wanted to collect something...something different..unique. But my fear of clutter always clicked in. You know once you mention to anyone you love...say cows...you soon have cow mugs, cow towels, cow salt and pepper shakers and the ever so popular cow mailbox....seriously a collection could get out of hand real quick! Growing up my Nana bought me these beautiful figurines each year for my birthday.(I actually need to find those...and display them). I then began collecting stickers, shells and handkerchiefs. But as an adult I have never had a collection of anything. I am not sure how many you actually have to have in order for it to be a collection, but I decided that I want to collect buckets!!! Exciting, right?? Ok so maybe not to you but I love the beach and I thought it would be cute to collect sand pails or buckets..vintage and new. I wanted something that would be harder to find and make a cute display. So, I bought my first one with my bday money:) It is from a site that I discovered a few months back http://www.themacbethcollection.com/. It is a bit pricey, but they just happened to be having a 25% off sale today..it was a sign from above:) There were so many to choose from but I chose the anchor design. I can't wait to receive it!

She's Crafty

Since I started blogging, most of my design inspiration comes from fellow bloggers. I think I have watched every design show on HGTV so I am glad that everyday I can see what everyone is up to and learn some new craft, design and cooking skills. There are so many talented people. I am so thankful they take the time to share their gifts.

These past few weeks I have to say have been so stressful at work. We have had to work four hours a day of mandatory OT. That is nice for the bank account, but not for the already tired mama. Something gets neglected when you are putting that much time at work. Unfortunately it was my family, friends, house and ME! I decided to start working on a few little crafts. I know...why add more things to do. I had an awesome three day holiday weekend for the Fourth of July and so I decided to do absolutely nothing (except clean my bedroom).

The first project I actually completed a few weeks ago. I happened to go to my weekly Michaels run (The Hubs calls it an addiction...whatever). Outside in front of Michaels I spied a frame that was the perfect size for my Menu/To Do board I wanted to make. It was on clearance for only 4.99! Then inside I found rub-on transfer for the days of the week, Those were I believe .99 cents and finally found scrapbook paper that matched my kitchen for .19 cents. It was meant to be. I spent less than 5.00 on this project.

This was so easy to make. I just lined the inside of the frame with the scrapbook paper...you could also use fabric...which might be better since you get a line where the two piece of paper meet. The I rubbed on the days of the week and viola..a Menu/To Do board. This is more of a To do board since my Menu usually is not decided until 6:00 everyday:).

My second crafty project was for Shane's Nursery. With the popularity of Monograms and putting your child's name somewhere in the room...I have found it hard to decide what to do. I started with the traditional wood letters over his crib. I used western scrapbook paper and hung them with ribbon across a dowel. Then I decided in our new place I would use the S and put it on a memo board covered with a bandanna...cute but still not feelin' it. Finally I saw a blog that took the child's initials and cut them out of different fabrics and framed them all. Here is what my finished product looks like:

I think I might paint the frame red or blue. I also am working on another similar project that I am going to put up in a few more days. Pics to follow soon!