My Crazy Life in an Acronym~ part 2

Welcome Back! I hope you are sitting in a comfy chair, in your most favorite spot, and I hope you have your coffee, tea, or beverage of choice ready to drink as you read. I am ready to continue my “character quality', “My Crazy Life”, acronym with you! My character qualities I am working on in 2012 to be the BEST I can be. If you missed the first two Character Qualities from “My Crazy Life”, I will refer you back to the first blog in this series, so that it all ties together nicely! 

http://patti-lifeasiknowitcrazy.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-crazy-life-in-acronym.html 

Now on with the Second word in my blog “CRAZY” and it's acronym. My life really is so crazy with all of my obligations with my family, friends, job, extra jobs, hobbies, so that I would definitely define my life as CRAZY... but it is a HAPPY, HAPPY CRAZY LIFE that I lead. I would not change anything about the life I lead. Instead let me share the CRAZY Character Qualities I am focusing on, and I will do that with an acronym for the second word of my blog, “CRAZY”.

  

‘The thing that makes a creative person is to be creative and that is all there is to it.’

— Edward Albee

 

Creativity is such an important and essential part of who I am.  When I am not creating, I find my mind becoming stagnant, and I find that my activities become activities that simply fill my time~ mindless, empty, non essential time wasters. Creativity gives me joy, whether it is creating a meal for my family, creating with crochet, paint, a glue gun, taking pictures of flowers, creating jewelry with a friend at a local bead shop! Creativity in any form whether by myself or shared with another stimulates the mind! Now you may say, well I don't have a creative bone in my body! Well, I went to google and came up with a great little page on how to develop creativity with some absolutely FUN, CREATIVE exercises at the end... thinking I might give a few of them a whirl. For me, creativity needs to be a part of every day in SOME form. For 2012, I am SCHEDULING IN time each and every day to create something: a meal for my family, a friend. A walk to take pictures. Time to sit and just dabble with paints. I hope you will see the importance of developing some creativity for yourself.

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Creative

"Another fresh new year is here . . . Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give! This bright new year is given me To live each day with zest . . . To daily grow and try to be My highest and my best! I have the opportunity Once more to right some wrongs, To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs!"
~ William Arthur Ward

Radiate Joy! Life is SO GOOD. There are so many blessings in my life, and I make a very concerted effort to remind myself of those blessings each and every time they pop into my brain! I have found that when I forget to count my blessings, I become deflated, like an empty balloon. When I am deflated, I have nothing left to give. The spark has gone out, and I have no joy inwardly, and no joy to share with others who are so desperately looking for their own joy. I am a firm believer that my purpose her on earth is to share the joy that I have with others, that they may share in my joy, and find some joy for themselves. My desire this year, is to RADIATE JOY each and every moment, so that others see my joy, and want that same joy for themselves. For me, that joy comes from the Lord: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Psalm 16:11. Since I have the joy of the Lord, my desire is to share it with all I know, and even those I don't know. Life is too short NOT to Radiate your Inner Joy!

Negative thinking destroys your brain cells and causes global warming. Source: The Scientific Institute of GetOverIt! ~Dodinsky, www.dodinsky.com

A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. ~Roald Dahl

love these quotes! They makes me giggle~ but also make me think and think deeply. I am such an advocate of POSITIVE thinking. Life is hard enough without thinking in negative terms 100% of the time! Now don't get me wrong! There are times when things happen and my hackles may rise and I may stomp my foot, but I quickly talk myself out of getting caught in the trap of 'stinkin' thinkin'.  Bad things DO happen to good people. But I have learned that I can CHOOSE how I will respond when I am blindsided. I can respond with an attitude that is designed to improve, change or accept the problem~ a Positive attitude, or I can respond with  defeat, roll over and play dead, or cursing the gods mentality~ a NEGATIVE attitude. I find myself very attracted to positive people because they leave positive deposits in my personal account. THAT is the person I want to be... depositing 'positivity' into the lives of others instead of sucking their personal accounts dry with my negative outlook! It takes work, focus, prayer and meditation, but I can tell it will payoff in 2012.
 “Attitudes are contagious. Are yours worth catching?” ~Dennis and Wendy Mannering

Think excitement, talk excitement, act out excitement, and you are bound to become an excited person. Life will take on a new zest, deeper interest and greater meaning. You can think, talk and act yourself into dullness or into monotony or into unhappiness. By the same process you can build up inspiration, excitement and surging depth of joy.

Norman Vincent Peale

Each and every day I search for beauty.  I always have. I search for beauty in things I see~ a beautiful sunrise, smell~ a loaf of bread baking, touch~ the smoothness of a shell I find on the beach, hear ~ the sound of my daughter laughing, taste~ freshly made guacamole dip.  There is so much BEAUTY around me! When I am seeking that beauty I am living a life 
chock full of ZEST, and I am SO happy.

I purposely carry my camera with me wherever I go, looking for a beautiful flower blooming, or today~ I caught the unusual bark on these trees that are 'winter barren'. I always add extra spices to anything I cook~ 'zesting' it up as I go. I always keep a bottle of my favorite bubble bath next to the tub, so that I can enjoy a lovely, bubbly bath of hot steamy, lavender scented water. I look for jokes to share with my family, JUST so I can hear them laugh. I try HARD to create a 'zest filled' life, and this year, I am intent on living even ZESTIER! :) How 'bout you?

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/bouncing-back/201110/living-zest-secret-happiness

Youthfulness is connected to the ability to see things new for the first time. So if your eyes still look at life with wonder, then you will seem young, 
even though you may not be chronologically young.
Goldie Hawn

(yes this is me... as a child!)

OF COURSE I WANT TO STAY YOUNG! I do buy an assortment of facial creams and lotions, 'skin tighteners, wrinkle reducers, and cellulite ridding products.  LOL A friend shared that she swore by Preparation-H as a 'skin firming product'!  I am still pondering that one.  But I am smart enough to know that while outward beauty may fade, I can still maintain and keep my inward beauty as forever.

Youthfulness is a state of mind. What is that quote, 'you are only as old as you think?' or something like that. Inwardly I do believe I got stuck in a perpetual 'childlike' state. I find I am constantly sidetracked by a butterfly, or a new food that I will inevitably fall in love with. I find new crafts entirely enthralling, Reading helps me escape into worlds I NEVER dreamed I would visit. I find joy in digging for seashells at the beach, and when I find an amazing specimen, I am thrilled beyond words. In other words, I have never lost that child like amazement, in learning something new, in stretching myself to try new things, in experiencing something I have never tried before. On New Years Eve, I created my own little 'bucket list' of new things I wanted to attempt this year. They range from expanding my vocabulary, to taking a trip to 6 Flags to ride every roller coaster. I am trying something new each and every day... may be big, may be small, but it exciting and fun, and keeping me young. I will always be a “Toys 'R' Us" kind of kid.

Well, once again, time has given me no choice but to move to the next exciting thing on my datebook~ and we still have the word “LIFE” to finish and wrap up my blog in 'an acronym'. I hope you have had fun reading, and I hope something grabs you and revs you up. I have so much more to share. And since 'tomorrow' is the weekend. I encourage you to grab your coffee, or whatever! :) and find your favorite blanket, and join me as I finish up my character quality changes. I know I will still have my jammies on... hope you will too. Can't wait to visit with you tomorrow!  Leave me a comment on your way out.  Blessings to you!

Living Laughing and OH SO! Loving my Life,

Patti

My Crazy Life in an Acronym!

A New Year! Those words always excite me beyond measure. I enjoyed spending New Years Eve reflecting on 2011 and looking ahead to 2012~ looking at what worked and what I would like to change in the New Year. I do not like to make New Years Resolutions, as they are so easily made, and so easily broken. Instead, I find it challenging and fulfilling to focus on changes that I desire to make, so that I can work on being my personal best. Of course those that know me well, know that nothing I do can be done SIMPLY! Instead, I always do everything with my own CRAZY flair, which makes me who I am. So in the spirit of CRAZINESS, I would like to share the 'character qualities' I am going to work on in 2012! My hope is, that something you read will strike a chord within you, and challenge and encourage you to think about those things you want to personally work on toward being the best YOU can be in 2012. 

SO! My CRAZY way of sharing the 'character qualities' I am working on, is to take the name of my blog, “My CRAZY Life', and turn it into an acronym, featuring the aspects of my life I am going focus on improving. AND, here we go! 

“God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.” ~J.M. Barrie 

My children are grown, not gone, but grown, and I see the 'empty nest' becoming a part of my life in the near future. This year I am focused on creating some crazy, amazing memories~ personally,with my children, my husband, my friends! I have started a list of memories that will be in the making this year! My sons graduation from the Army National Guard! A family vacation, my high school reunion, an out of town trip with some of my best friends. I have purchased a scrap book, luscious scrapbook paper, some fun pens, stickers and my camera is at the ready to “capture” these events, so that when my 'empty nest' arrives, I have incredible memories to reflect upon! 

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” 

~Mother Teresa 

I would like to focus on the “YOUs” in my life... in other words, OTHERS, instead of ME. I find that my self pity, or depression, will quickly find me when I am so focused on myself and my problems~ when I am completely occupied on myself. I would like to invest more love, time and effort, into the 'yous' in my life... my family, friends, friends waiting to happen. When I turn my focus outward, and share the love I have~ my time, my creativity, my love of cooking, myself! I not only take eyes off of ME, but I share that love with others, and hopefully leave them in a place that is better than where we started! Sharing myself with others is not only a gift to the other person, but it is a gift to myself. A gift that will keep me operating selflessly, instead of selfishly!

OH DEAR! I am out of time. SO, I am going to have to finish the “CRAZY” part of my acronym tomorrow. Thank you for joining me today. I hope you will come back tomorrow with a cup of coffee, cup 'o tea, wine, or whatever suits your fancy so that I can share more of my “CRAZY CHANGES for 2012! I hope you will join me, I will eagerly await your visit! 

Living, Laughing, and already LOVING my New Year!

Patti

A Crazy~Classy yet Inexpensive Invite~ it OOZES STYLE!

I am crazy in love with having parties and entertaining friends. I love to clean, cook, wine and dine my friends and family in FINE STYLE. And part of the entertaining process is the making and sending of the invitations. I am never one to buy a premade invite, as I like an invitation to be super crazy 'ME'! So I thought I would show you one of my recent invites, with pics and instructions, and hopefully you will realize how much money you can save and how much fun designing your own invitations can be!

When I am shopping for the body of the invitation, once again you will find me hitting the Michael's $1 bin... and I never come up empty handed. They always have cute blank note cards & envelopes, that I recreate into something that is unique and crazy cute. By adding my own embellishments, it becomes personalized and the person receiving it feels EXTRA special! ;) So I purchase my $1 blank invites (6 in a pack) and use the coupon that I can USUALLY find online for 20% off, and that adorable little package of invites costs just $.87. With embellishments, the entire invitation costs no more than $.40 a piece... AND they are personalized to boot. You just can't beat it!

Rock~Paper~Scissors! OOPS! WOOD~ PAPER~ SCISSORS & MOD PODGE!

Rock~Paper~Scissors! OOPS! WOOD~ PAPER~ SCISSORS & MOD PODGE!

My idea of starting the New Year off on the right foot~ creating a 'Crazy Fun Way' to implement 'visual' reminders of the 'attributes' and 'character qualities' I desire to have in my life. My motto has always been: “LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE”~ three things that I choose to fill my life with on a daily basis. But I also desire qualities that accompany the “3 L's”~ Joy, Peace, Contentment... Sometimes, just seeing those words in front of me, is a quick reminder to regroup and refocus. So, I came up with a creative way to put these words “INTO FOCUS”, so that they will be a daily reminder of what my life is to be about. I hope you enjoy this creative activity, as it is an activity that ANYONE can do, and it is just CRAZY enough for you to personalize for your own “visual cue cards”!

This project actually started out at a local good will store where I found a block of wood for 10 cents! I KNEW there was a project in that little block of wood and finally it came to me! As you will see! I also have used a wooden frame I got on sale at Michael's to show you another way to use wood with the paper, and Mod Podge!

Materials you will need:

A wooden object of your choice... SO MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM

Mod Podge

Aileen's Tacky Glue

Large Paint Brush

Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

Wide upholstery ribbon

Scissors

Cut Out Letters of your choice... got mine on sale at Michael's

Large Square Scrapbook Paper of your choice

http://aleenestackyglue.com/

http://www.plaidonline.com/mod-podge/brand/home.htm

http://www.michaels.com/

Directions:

Make sure there are no rough edges on your wood piece, and if there are fine sand them away!

Tear your craft paper into large and small pieces, so that you have a variety of shapes to work with.

Using a large paint brush, generously coat your wood piece with the Mod Podge.

Begin on the top of your wooden piece, and place and smooth your paper onto the wood, eliminating all air bubbles. Add another coat of the Mod Podge with your brush, and using your fingers, smooth the paper into place.

Add your next strip of paper, and coat with Mod Podge. Cut the paper at corners and edges so you will be able to wrap and have a smooth surface.

Once all of your top and side surface is covered with your paper, generously apply another coat of Mod Podge and allow to dry according to directions.

To apply the decorative cord around the edge, use your glue gun on the edge of the wood, and apply the decorative cord applying pressure so that  it will adhere. I work the glue and edging around a few inches at a time.

Choose your “character word” you would like to see! And lay it out on the wood for proper spacing.

Use Aileen's Tacky glue to apply the letters to your wood surface. After I had all the pieces glued down, I used a few heavy books to make sure the letters were properly and firmly attached.

AND MWUAAH! It is as Easy as that! Here is a picture of the wooden block, and the picture frame I used to remind me to be filled with JOY< and to LOVE everyone, on a daily basis. Funny and Crazy thing? I still have more paper for another project... hmmm what word do I want to use? : )

This project is FAST, INEXPENSIVE, and MORE FUN than a game of ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS. Hope you will have fun making your own 'visual' JOYFUL reminders!

Living, Laughing and Loving as I start a NEW PROJECT!

Patti

A Budget Conscious “Classy & Crazy Creative” Christmas Gift!

I Love gift giving at Christmas time, but I go CRAZY over giving handmade, thoughtful gifts created with my own little hands and that remain with in my holiday budget!  I will be starting my CRAZY HOLIDAY BLOGGING with a 

“Classy & Crazy Creative” little Christmas Gift for any special gal on your list!

One of my favorite places to shop is the Michaels or Joanne Fabric $1.00 bins.  You can find some cute little gems in these bins- that with a few inexpensive additions will look like a beautifully crafted gift fit for your bestie, or someone to whom you simply want to show some appreciation.

http://www.joann.com/

http://www.michaels.com/

I ran to Michaels to search the $1.00 bins, and found these ADORABLE blank lined note pads.  I knew with a little jazzing up these would make the perfect little gift for some of my girlfriends.  I searched for a rubber stamp that would be a perfect message for the front of the notebook… and as you know, I always close every blog with ‘live, laugh, love’, so this stamp was perfect.  I know I will be using this rubber stamp OVER AND OVER, so I really cannot put a price tag on what it would cost for the project, but I know it will be pennies.  The rest of the necessary items I already had at home!  But in case you don’t have all of the items needed, here is your list of supplies:

Notebook

Rubberstamp

Clear stamping ink

Gold Embossing Powder

Heat Gun

Ribbon

Aileen’s Tacky Glue

Button

Embroidery Thread to match your ribbon

Or anything YOU WANT to decorate and embellish your notebook!

Step 1: Place the rubber stamp on the ‘clear’ inkpad and apply pressure to completely cover the stamp. 

Step 2: “Eyeball” where you wish to place the stamp on the notebook.  Place the rubber stamp in place and apply pressure to completely apply the ink.

Step 3: Pour the Gold Embossing Powder over the stamped area, and gently shake off the excess.  To make your embossing powder last longer, place a piece of paper under your project to catch the extra, so that you can return the left over embossing powder to the jar. 

Step 4:  Using your heat gun, turn it to high heat.  Hold it close to the stamped area and watch as the powder changes to the ‘liquid gold’.  Do NOT overheat, as it will burn, just make sure all of you powder has turned gold.

Step 5:  Using whatever ribbon you have chosen, glue it to the notebook closest to the spiral.  A contrasting color, or a color within the theme is always good.

Step 6:  Using an embroidery thread that matches your ribbon, lace it through the button holes and knot it on top.  Glue your button, or whatever fun objects you have chosen in place

Step 7:  WRAP and DELIVER WITH LOVE! 

This is a FUN, INEXPENSIVE, QUICK and EASY project, perfect for Christmas, or ANY time of the year, a gift needs to be given.  Handmade and from the heart is the way I roll!  Why not give handmade gifts this year!  Your family and friends will cherish the gifts, knowing that you were thinking of them while you were creating!

Living, Laughing, and LOVING my handmade gifts,

Patti