Archives for February 23, 2015

My monthly ATC (Artist Trading Cards) Swap with my Girlfriends

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I always wanted to participate in a monthly ATC swap but hesitated because I didn’t know if I could commit to it all the time. I liked the idea of challenging myself to work on a small canvas, trying new things and receiving beautiful art in my mail box. This year, one of my goals with my OLW (One Little Word) is to connect with friends more. Last year, we lost one of the places that we met weekly to craft and have girl time so we have had a hard battle staying connected like we would like. I really don’t want to lose what beautiful friendships we have been building so I am always in search of a way I can help bring us together.

So in December, I kicked around the idea of approaching my crafty girlfriends and seeing how they would feel about a monthly ATC Swap. I wanted to create nothing but encouragement and present little obstacles so that I could pull them all in.  So I made up the catergories for each month which always included a few options and didn’t put any creative restrictions.  I also told people they could jump in any month they choose. So about a week before each month, I contact them all via email and find out how many will participate for the next month and then announce the number of ATCs we have to make and due date (which is the last day of the month).

january8The first month is January and this is the gallery of all the participants in our January swap.  I decided January’s theme would be New Years and Stars. Look at all the great interpretations everyone had for this theme. That’s what makes it wonderful. My other goal is to not make this a chore or competitive. I believe each ATC is a unique beauty and I hope the participants continue to feel happy about the process. I know I am so happy I made the leap and asked them.

Belinda

Project Life: week three

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week3aThis year, I am really challenging myself to really just try new things. I would never use a 3×4 pocket as the title card for the week. But I saw this little girl and her balloon and I thought a sparkling 3 would look so cute in it. So I took the chance and I have to say I really like it.

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Apollo still doesn’t like going to the barber shop to get his hair cut so Leao cuts his hair at home. I can’t resist peeking in and watching the usual drama unfold. I always hear Leao reminding him to stay still.  Apollo talks non-stop and of course he has to move so lot’s of fussing usually takes place.

I enjoy seeing the boys revisit using the Wii again. Nicholas even let me take a picture of him and his Mii fighter.  Then later in the week I received a book plate from one of my favorite authors, Sujata Massey to put in her new book.  I want the boys to see how important books are to me and that the authors are important to recognize too.

One of my goals for 2015 is to continue on my path to total wellness and exercise is a big part of it. So I like to capture me doing it to keep me motivated (and honest)! I have a girlfriend, Maria, who we check in via text daily with what we eat, what we did for exercise and general happenings. It has made a huge difference and she really motivates me. We share our “cheats” too as well as good smoothie recipes.  If you can find someone willing to do this with you it is a great way to keep motivated.

We inflated the air mattress and had a sleep over in our bedroom.  They loved sleeping in the air mattress. We have never done that before and they were so excited so I wanted to capture the memory for them.

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Apollo loves his bear “Duffy” he got while in Disney World in October. I couldn’t help grabbing my iPhone and taking a picture of the love he was sharing with Duffy.  He still loves his stuffed animals and it’s so cute to watch. I know the days will be limited but it’s an adorable time in his life.

I have a thing about organic foods and smoothies. I have been drinking at least one smoothie a day for over a year now and love it. When I miss a day, I feel it.  So when I shop, I have major requirements. I decided to include a photo of my shopping list of one day I was doing my grocery run. I visit three different stores to get some goodies. I first go to Trader Joes and get much of my groceries and then Whole Foods where I can get all my smoothie add ins and organic meats. Then Hannaford for items they just don’t sell at the other two stores.  It’s exhausting when I do all three the same day but typically I don’t do this all on one day.

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I included a picture of more footprints that the boys and I found outside.  Not sure what animal do you think it is. They were kind of small for a raccoon. I love eating plain avocado and sweet potatoes. Not necessarily together but it’s something I can’t get enough of. So one day, for lunch I was eating some Chicken Samosas and I usually have brown rice and the avocado but on this day, I felt like I wanted to eat the sweet potato at the end for a nice sweet finish to this spicy meal.  My mouth waters when I look at this photo. Don’t judge!

I took the boys  to see Annie at the theater and they can’t get enough of the recliner seats. I think it will make it difficult for us to go to a theater without them now.  I also included the tickets so that we could look back at the price and the fact that we had tickets. Because I know they will eventually do away with them too.  Their tickets were free that day because we joined the theater’s popcorn club. So they get a free ticket and snack for joining. The receive other fun items throughout the year and a little bag and membership card. I used a cool sticker that looks like those old punch labels we had back in the day.

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Overall a great week and much of it captured in the album makes me happy that I am continuing this process. I will be back next week with Week 4.

Happy Crafting!

Belinda

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