Two-Oh-One-Five: Be PRESENT!

Happy! New! Year!!! Two-Oh-One-Five!!!

Oh the New Year...New Year is my absolute most favorite holiday! There is just something simply magical to me about a brand new big ole' blank 365 days! It's about renewal, hopes and dreams. If I'd have to pick just one word to describe me, it would be definitely be Dreamer! I'm still learning how to put all my dreams into action, thus goals and ultimately accomplishments... because I could also be described as a bit of a procrastinator... I just like to think of it as I work better under pressure. LOL!

When I thought about and dreamed of 2015, so so many thoughts and things I wanted to accomplish were running around in my head like a gaggle of 3 year olds on a massive sugar high. Then I ran across the idea somewhere in my travels thru cyberspace of picking just one word, just one word to focus you year on.... one word?!?! Hhuuumm, it was really hard, but finally I decided on PRESENT. For me this one word means to be "in the moment" whatever that moment is....I'm a constant multi-tasker (as are most women (no offense to the gentlemen)). I will respond to texts while also trying to listen to my sons current question. I'm impatient when my husband tries to show me affection if I'm in the middle of trying to complete something else. I'm not proud of it, it's just the truth. So with these things in mind (just to name a couple, there are 100s) -- PRESENT is my focus for 2015.

I WILL be PRESENT in 2015!!!

As I know there are for you too, there are many things I want to accomplish in 2015, in my spiritual life, my "around the house" life, in my relationships and in both my day job and for It's Scrapicated.

SPIRITUALLY:

-Declare God's promises over my and my family & friends:

*Keep out the Negative self-talk - counties effort to redirect negative thoughts whenever they         creep in and try to take hold.

*Continually look for God's favor in our life by keeping a Gratitude journal. I got the coolest Gratitude Journal HERE

*Be continually in a mode of growing closer to Jesus thru bible study and serving as his hands and feet.
Note: We recently on 12/26/14 had the opportunity to help serve a meal at the at the homeless overflow shelter here in Springfield, IL.  It was a fantastic experience! Create many MORE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES and also include the kids.

Around the House:

Oh this is so long overdue - I bought the house we live in back in May 2003 when my ex-husband and I divorced, while some things have been updated, some things are LONG overdue and some just need done to make our home more "us"

-Complete several minor and MAJOR "Home Improvement" projects

MINOR:

*Hall Bath Makeover (New wall paint, new shower curtain, try my hand at chalk paint/wax on the vanity and over the toilet cabinet)  Here's the new shower curtain I purchased as is one the way... so EXCITED!   Shower Curtain ------>

*Laundry Closet - Oh the laundry closet!!! It is exactly that - A closet in the hallway - NOT FUNCTIONAL! Well, it's functional as it houses the washer/dryer but by adding a vibrant paint color to the back wall, adding some new storage and hanging solutions I think this will serve us much better!  

SEMI-MAJOR:

*Put the TV above the Fireplace!! While this should probably fall into the "minor" category; all of the drywall from the fireplace wall and the 1/2 wall that connects HAS TO BE REMOVED to get the "wires" relocated.  Believe me on this; I've had at least 3 different companies out here to try ANY other solution!!  

*Master Bedroom/Bath Makeover - This one isn't overly complicated, it's just going to require some time and some money.  This is the only room that still has the original construction grade carpet in it! YUK!! I am NOT NOT NOT a fan of carpet pretty much anywhere in the home; area rugs - love them. Carpet, no.  We plan to extend the flooring that covers our living room into the master,  new paint, new textiles etc etc.  I don't have all the design details worked out here yet, but I do believe THIS is the inspiration piece for the room! LOVE! IT~ 

MAJOR:

Kitchen/Dining Remodel -- This is the biggy!!!! There is a wall between our kitchen and living area; it needs to GO! Our house is small and modest and I think by removing the wall (I already know it is not load bearing) will make the space so awesome!  The dining room table will move back as I plan to buy a pub-high table that has corner seating -- You can see the table I have in mind HERE  We also plan to add a 2 seat breakfast bar on a functional base cabinet to give us back some of the storage we will loose (The wall that is leaving is lined with cabinets)  Of course then there will be new appliances,  glass tile backsplash and new countertops.  This is a dream I've been carrying around for years!!!! 

This is our current set up - You can see the floor that will be extended into the Master, were the new mounted TV will go there is a mirror now and in the far right of the pic is the wall that MUST GO! 

That's a big list for "around the house" I know -- These things also spring board over to the Goals for It's Scrapicated.....

It's Scrapicated

BLOG

*Blog More!!!

 I plan to document and blog each of the projects I listed under "around the house".  I certainly do not know it all about DIY, I know enough to know when I need a contractor though... LOL  As It's Scrapicated is a big part of who I am, many project created in the It's Scrapicated style will no doubt be a part of how the projects come out

*Expand Make N' Take

I've gotten a lot of interest about bringing the Metal Make N' Take classes to other towns, I'm diligently working to get that off the ground.  Girls night outs are a BLAST,  but more fun if you don't have to then drive an hour to get home.  More to come

*Create YouTube Tutorials

In the spirit of the first two I'd like to use my YouTube Channel to create the tutorials on the "How to" that is learned in the Make N Take workshops and then offer a "kit" to create it that can be shipped.  

*Move all Custom Orders to Etsy 

I lose stuff!!!! AND I forget! This could be an organizational issue, but I think if I move everything using CUSTOM LISTING functionality to Etsy once we agree on a proof; this helps not only keep track but it puts everything in one place for my income tracking too -- The IRS seems to care about that income thing quite a lot! LOL

The Day Job

*Be PRESENT!

Yep that's it -- Just BE THERE mentally, physically, and spiritually and continually look for the ways to grow in my interactions and accomplishments.  

I've been doing my current job for what will be 12 years in February, I know how to do it, not to sound overly conceited, but I'm pretty gosh darn good at it, (Duh! I should be I've been doing it 12 years).  I struggle with being present because I think about that 30 year mark so much.  I really do like my day job and my boss is pretty cool too. After 12 years working for the same person, they also become your friend.   I just also after 27 years have other things I want to do (i.e.... It's Scrapicated)  So just being present and being the best employee I can be is my focus (yea, cheesy I know) 

and finally.....

Relationships

Grow my relationships with my husband, kids, family and friends!!!!

I do not really have any "bullets" for this other than this simply means taking the time to cultivate the relationships in my life.  I chose not to go to several events in 2014 with my husband because I was "working".  It's kinda sad, but it's true.  Back to being PRESENT!  We plan to do a couple long weekends with our kiddos (Thinking Chicago and maybe St. Louis for the Summer).  And we're definitely taking a week long kid-free vacation somewhere that includes sand, saltwater & umbrella drinks.   I will make being present with my family a priority in 2015 creating a little more "white space" in the calendar and ensuring my planning skills are TOP NOTCH!!

I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for 2014! It was ah-mazing! and I pray for God's mercy, grace, favor and love to shine brightly on each of you in 2015!

Peace, Love & Glitter!

-Tammy

"Just One More Thing To One More Person....."

     Ah, the struggle is real.  There are days I just want to SCREAM "I cannot be one more thing to one more person!" While making a dramatic exit and leaving whomever has just used up that proverbial last nerve in a wake of instantaneous understanding as to why I just I had melt-down.   As a grown up (most of the time anyway) I attempt to act as if I have at least some sense, I've never actually done this, I do however fantasize about it occasionally.

Perhaps we tend to lose track of the number of hats worn in a day; mom, wife, employee, business owner, housekeeper, laundry doer, chef(well ok that's a stretch, make that food preparer), and taxi driver just to name a few.  It can be completely overwhelming! Not so long ago I had a complete "I Quit!" attitude related to running my own business, the demands were too much, I was sad, I was irritable and I just gave up.   While I absolutely LOVE being able to "create"! Hey! "Makers gonna Make!" as they say but I had NO PLAN for how to work full time, run a nearly full time business and still be a mom & wife.  NO PLAN!! And because there was no plan, I failed..... failed myself miserably.  I took the summer off (summer off - that's how I refer to it now, sounds so much nicer than I QUIT!)  I did not make one single thing from June thru the end of August 2014.  It felt good, I felt refreshed, we took a vacation with our kids, some of the pressure was gone, but something was missing! I had found MY passion how could I just walk away? I couldn't!!!  So I regrouped with A PLAN:

1.  Plan what you'll do and do what you plan! - Simple huh? Should've thought of this sooner! Everyday now I review the "landscape" of what needs done that day and what is upcoming.  I know every single day the list of MUST DOs! This ranges from being at my son's sports banquet, creating the grocery list to what Etsy orders must ship the following morning. Whatever it is, IT. IS. ON. THE. LIST!

2. Advance preparation - Dinner always left me feeling inadequate.  I could never answer the "what are we having for dinner" question which lead to the Wendy's drive thru. Very healthy!  Now, every week, typically on Sundays we plan the menu for the week and my hubz heads to the grocery store. It's no longer a point of contention and everyone always knows the "what's for dinner" answer.  Another example, if I have a "hot seller" and an order pending, I always make an extra cut of vinyl so when the next order comes in, I just press & go.  That old killing 2 birds with one stone analogy.

3.  Learning to say No - I am still not a fan of the word no.  I'm a people pleaser to some degree and I do not want anyone to be disappointed.  Well, how about you tell someone YES and then find out the answer is really NO... that is 200% worse, OK may 1000% worse for the client you already told Yes only to figure out that you are overextended. Now your customer is in a lurch and I guarantee you they will not be back.  They'd rather you say no so they can make other arrangements and they will probably think of you again in the future when you may be able give a resounding YES! So, now when I get approached to do custom work, I assess everything in the "plan" (See #1) and respond accordingly.

4. Review the Product Line -  I assessed my "product line";  I knew what sold and what didn't for the most part.  I also looked at where to get the most "bang for my buck" so to speak.  For example,
I Love Jesus! (and I drink a little) is selling like hotcakes all over the country but somethings that had no activity I removed.  There are some things that are great to do/make but if you spend 2 hours and make $1, that might not make good business sense.  I ditched the things that either didn't get much response or that cost me more to make than I sold them for (yeah, I actually used to do that, very profitable - :) )

5.  Find an order management process  - Orders! Orders! Everywhere there were orders! Text! Messenger! Email! and every single thing was a custom request.  I moved most everything to Etsy! It was a no brainer for me, as Etsy is designed for handmade items, the system was there, and it's easy to use, it manages my orders and I have a clear, concise picture of what needs done.  It also allows my customers to request custom order and for me to post their custom listing back to them for payment. Game changer!!!

6.  PRAY - I saved the best for last.  If you checked out that "about me" page, you know I'm a "God girl" so prayer is a pretty big part of life for me.  Sometimes I think the day is just one big prayer.  I start each day with "show me where to focus" and I end each day with "thanks".  If I focus on following God's lead, it works for me.  I stay calm, it gets done and the need to scream "I cannot be one more thing to one more person!" becomes much less of a "thing".

I love! the above quote from Steve Jobs (I'm a Apple girl too!) "The only way to do great work is to love what you do.  If you haven't found it yet. Keep looking, and don't settle. As with all matters of the heart you'll know when you find it."  It's not easy, mistakes will be made but the journey is so worth it even if it looks like a beautiful mess some days!


Peace, Love & Glitter!!!
-Tammy

The "While You're Makin' Dinner Drink"

Here's a little ditty bout Jack and Dianne...... oh wait; random flashback..... Do over....

Here's a little ditty I call the While You're Makin Dinner Drink. (Because I'm original like that.)   Making dinner usually seems like a mundane task, well unless you have oodles of time, but who has that during the week?!? Not me. Sometimes a random thought even sneaks in screaming "do these people really need to eat EVERY DAY?!?" ...Jjjuussstt kidding..(wink) 

So while you're bringin home the bacon AND fryin' it up in a pan - Get you're drink on! It's good for the psyche after a long day of wearing all your pretty hats. 

I'm not a regular drinker during the work week, (been there-done that, hhheelllooo 20's) BUT! I do enjoy a nice wind down from the workday from time to time.  Isn't that just the way too; there you are happily going about your day, extending  grace to people all day long,  from the lady who blew thru the ORANGE light on your way to work, to someone in your workplace that no matter how many different ways/times you've explained it, you've come to the conclusion that maybe they just do not understand the spoken word.   And then comes the realization you've begun drawing pictures to help them understand while smiling the entire time, because that's just how you roll!  So you - Yes, YOU! are more than deserving of the While You're Makin' Dinner drink.

A simple rule of  thirds applies here:

1. 1/3 Alcohol of your choice - mix it up! (I use Malibu, Black Cherry Rum and a bit of Triple Sec)

2. 1/3 Fruit Juice (I choose Pineapple)

3. 1/3 White soda (I prefer Sprite)

Use whatever size glass tickles your fancy and just go thirds - easy enough! Well maybe not the super-gulp cup, that's probably not a good size for Wednesday night, but hey... It's your call.   

Here's my cast of characters! Not Pictured: Pineapple juice ... yes, you guessed it...camera-shy, who knew? Ok, I drank it all….. that potentially could be because I've also occasionally deemed this "the while I'm doing dishes and cleaning up my mess drink".

I'd LOVE to hear what flavor combo's you come up with! Have fun with it, and jam out to some tunes while you're in there wielding your spatula, makes the asked 10 times "when's dinner going to be done?" question way! more! tolerable!

ENJOY!

-Tammy

Slutty Brownies! Ugh…

I'm ALWAYS in search of something yummy to take to a get-together.  My mom would kick my butt if I showed up empty handed to someone's house.  That's part of what I love about being this age, you know the "manners" oh so well, because you are TRYING so so hard to get your teenagers to comply or at least show some glimmer of understanding as to WHY it's important (without turning into "crazy-mom" of course…)

So -- Slutty Brownies, yes… well, the name might be slightly inappropriate.  While, I didn't make up the name, I do think the name is relatively appropriate, if slutty is defined as generally having loose sexual morals, these little critters definitely have some very loose caloric morals. Let's be honest, these are clearly NOT good for you! I would definitely recommend taking them to a potluck/get-together vs. leaving them in your home because they seriously ROCK! Here's the original link from Pinterest that I started with:  Slutty Brownies  Oh, and if you eat them warm…. Simply sheer chocolate gooey love!

These oh so delicious creations really could not be any simpler, well maybe, try asking your husband/partner to make them for you - SERIOUS BROWNIE POINTS folks, serious brownie points.

I digress, here's all you do:

1. Take that big ole' tub of pre-made Toll-House cookie dough, chunk it up and press it into the bottom of a 9X13 pan for the crust. (I did not grease the pan and it worked out fine)

2. Lay your DOUBLE STUFFED in rows on top of the cookie dough  (the original recipe did not call for DOUBLE STUFFED Oreos, but hey! if you're going to do it -- DO IT!
           *Note - When (not IF) I make these again, I will do a "rough breaking" of the cookies because I thought they were a wee bit hard to cut once cooled as whole cookies.  Go on - be rebellous!

3. Prepare brownie mix according to the box instructions, and pour that on top of your Oreo layer.  (Do you feel your heart working harder yet?)  I used the Betty Crocker Triple Chunk mix (sure, why not?).  Please note the box if it says for an 8x8 pan, you will need TWO mixes for your 9X13 pan.

Bake them in accordance with the instructions on the brownie box.  Also noted that these took WAY longer than the box instructions.  I baked mine for 45-50 min but started checking them at time stated on the box (I have zero recollection of what the box said)  Just insert a toothpick to check them, you'll know.

As I said earlier they are HEAVEN warm and still incredible cooled.

ENJOY!!!!!
-Tammy