Apologies

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'm horrible at keeping up to date with my blog.

My tendonitis has subsided (thank God!) but I haven't really found too much time to craft just yet. One main reason is that most of my craft stuff is no longer in one spot. When we were preparing for my son to arrive we had to turn our spare bedroom in to his nursery. This required us to move almost all items out of that room. Almost all of my craft supplies was moved out. I say almost because I kept half of the closet. I have my paper rack nestled in there and a few other things but the bulk of my supplies is now in other parts of the house. My Cricut Explore Air also remained in the nursery.

My craft desk for example is now in our bedroom and hubby is using it. It's smaller as it has a lift side so it was the better choice for him to use while the crib is in our room. That being said, his desk was left in the nursery and I have to use that one if I want to craft. My desk holds most of my cardstock as well as glue, stamps, Tim Holtz embellishments, etc. Since my desk can't hold all of my cardstock and some patterned papers those are in our linen closet along with some other stamps, embellishments and my Bind-It-All. To finish off the supplies the last of it is in our closet stacked on some shelves. This includes: flowers, die cut pieces, chipboard, bling, and most of my scraps.

So for me to get any decent scrapbooking done I really have to sit and think about what I want to create, gather as much of the supplies I need, then go into the nursery to work on it. FYI, baby doesn't sleep in his nursery yet since the crib is still in our room. That's fine since we will eventually transfer him. Most of the time by the time I gather the items it is getting too late to create. So I will start something then have to clean it all up and put it away until I can get in there again. I can't leave the items out as my son is now tall enough to reach up to the desk and pull things off it.

So that's why you haven't seen me that much. I told you at the beginning this would be hard for me. And I will try to keep posting as much as I can but I may have to change the direction of my posting. As much as I love crafting at this time since I have a baby/toddler (he's not a toddler in my eyes yet!) I want to start posting maybe a few reviews on products or suggestions for baby items. We shall see. Again no promises because I can't always find time to sit and type.

Well that's all for now as I can hear baby stirring and will most likely wake up to nurse again soon. Until next time.

Commencing Party Decor

So it's coming down to my son's first birthday. I have about 8 weeks before the big day and it is bringing me both tears and a smile to my face. As I'm overly ecstatic my son is turning one I can't help but be saddened that my baby is no longer going to be a baby anymore. Where did the year go?

With that though I am enjoying planning his birthday party. We aren't breaking the bank on this but I could not pass up an opportunity to create something for my little guy. The theme is pool party/beach balls so I will be creating a few banners and some decor for it. It is an outside event so I can't do too much. The one item I am most excited to create though is the high chair banner. It will be the centerpiece of everything.

Pinterest has given me a few ideas but I always like to give my own twist to everything I see. Also, I have TONS of paper so I really don't want to go out and buy more but try and use what I have. That's going to be the challenge for me: use what you have. I have lots of color and always tend to stock up on cardstock when it is on sale so I don't think I will have a problem. I'm also focusing on primary colors so it should be easy peasy!

With his first birthday coming there is going to be a few more firsts we will cross before we get to the actual event. One is his first haircut. Baby boy was born with a head full of hair and some did fall but he kept most of it. The top part has gotten so long it covers his eyes and ears. We also may see some first steps by the time he turns one. He's been trying to stand all by himself and loves to use his standing walker. We also might get a first word (besides mama and dada) since he has been a vocal machine lately.

I'm loving everything that has happened leading up to this and honestly I'm an excited mama to celebrate his birthday. But if I'm really being honest, I might cry a little. And who can blame me?

Tendonitis

The title says it all. I had read that postpartum there were a few things a mother could develop or experience and I've managed to get a few. The biggest downfall (besides the hair loss) has been getting De Quervian's Tendonitis or Mommy Thumb. I've previously been diagnosed with tendonitis in my left wrist but have had the pain double since giving birth. And it is in both wrists now. Some days are better than others but it has become increasingly difficult to type. Even playing a simple swiping game makes my wrists sore. And forget trying to scratch my back. The tendon usually tightens and pops when I reach back or turn my wrist a certain way. It sounds painful and to be honest it is. So I'm going to keep this post short or I'll be paying for it tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be back soon.

Seeking my passion again

It has happened. After 9 months I have finally found the time to craft again! Cue the confetti canons and make some noise! I have been trying to get to this point since my little guy was born and because of constant feedings, sleep regressions, teething and trying to get housework done I had not had the time to create. And I mean really create. I might have done a quick card here or made a quick cut out but nothing big. Now I"m finally getting stuff done!

One thing that is really helping me is that Cricut finally released their Design Space app for android! More confetti! We android users have been waiting for this day for a long time. Now it is till in Beta form but some of the recent updates have made it easier to create. And I have been a designing while I'm nursing or laying in bed with hubby and baby. I've even cut a few things straight from my phone! Completely ecstatic about this. I can't wait for the full version where I can expand my designs even more but until then I can at least start a project on my phone and finish it on the computer after baby goes to bed. So much easier and quicker this way.

So let me tell you what I've been working on. I started an Instagram page solely for my crafts. You can see a preview on the right side of this blog. And if you'd like, you can follow me! My new obsession has been vinyl. I LOVE making wall clings or even personalizing some items for my son and nephew. Now that doesn't mean I've completely abandoned traditional scrapbooking I just haven't had the time. Until now! My first project is going to be my son's scrapbook. I have been taking his hand and footprint every month (which reminds me that I have to do this month) and took advantage recently of Shutterfly's free prints. I had previously printed out a few photos when he was 2 months but needed more photos. So on nights like tonight I will be scrapbooking my little heart out. Oh and writing a blog post here and there too.

So I'm off! The adhesive and cardstock is calling! I'll write to you all later!