Been a long time.

I've decided to reactivate this blog. I've spent four years dealing with a tragedy and now it's time to get back to actually living my life.

So what happened? My husband died. Don't let anyone ever tell you that it just takes time to get over the loss of your partners. I will tell you the truth - you never get over it.  You just learn to live with it. Oh I don't break down every day or week or month now. But I do have moments where I want to chuck it all. Those moments pass. Sometimes quickly, sometimes not so quickly. I get through them. I think of hubby daily but most of the time it's just a good memory or a what would he have thought about that?

I'm down to two cats - Halle a chocolate smoke Napoleon or Minuet (depending on registry), the breed is a cross between a persian and a munchkin. Minuet - Catster She will be 11 in May. And Hawk, a 3 year old Blue Silver Classic Tabby Maine Coon. They are my reason for waking up in the morning.

I got through the 2020 election year and so far (knock on wood) I haven't been infected with Coronavirus. Those two things are worth celebrating. I got rid of my vehicle, insurance and maintenance were killing my budget. My feet work fine and now there is Instacart and Lyft or Uber. (I use Lyft because I get 1 mile on my Delta frequent flyer for every dollar of my ride. (Had to get a money saving tip in.)

I'm currently looking at apartments. Because the upkeep of the house for just me is ridiculous. Besides it's way too much unused space! I actually live in an area smaller than a studio apartment in this house. Right now my biggest question is 1 bedroom or studio. I'm liking the idea of a studio apartment, less to clean. The other question is location. I have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 places. Just want to make sure I have room to do my crafting and design work. Though if I can work things out I might just stay here. Who knows. God knows I didn't plan to be a widow this soon.

I'm going to try and post every Monday and if a thought hits me in between. This blog really has no point just a place better than Facebook to post my thoughts.

Being True To Myself Step 2

Life.

One thing I've always like was manicured nails. It's one of the few girly things I like. But like most people making my dominate nails look good - well I never mastered that. I thought I'd try water marbling.

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So I decided to try it. First attempt was a total disaster. Second attempt okay. But I'm having fun doing it. And that's part of being true to yourself it should be fun!

This is my third attempt.

This is my 5th attempt

I'm getting the hang of it - but I have horribly short nails. So that's an issue.

Gifts for any occassion

I was trying to think of what little inexpensive gift I could do for my thesis committee as a thank you. I could purchase something inexpensive, but it feels impersonal in a way. So I decided to make something that was still personal. I decided on a homemade personal care set. I had found some 2 oz bottles in the house and well they were just sitting there.

Bulk Apothecary sent a message Halloween weekend - 16% off the entire store. So I ordered Shampoo, Conditioner,  Shower Gel and Hand Lotion base, and Lavender essential oil. 16 oz of the bases and 2 oz of the lavender. that's 8 gifts for $33 (that's with shipping) or $4 and change.

There are sites all over the web that will show you how to make these things without buying the bases but time is an issue for me. I need something I can do quickly. So I went with them besides at $3.95 for 16 oz? I'm not going to worry too much.

That got me to thinking of other cheap gifts a person could make here are a few.

Sharpie Mugs - get the mugs at the dollar store write or draw on them with Sharpie Markers and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. They can be double baked - just remember to include a hand wash only card with them. Fill them with goodies.

Sign up for Pinch Me - It's a great way to get samples! Save the samples and your toilet rolls and/or paper towel rolls. Get some tissue paper if you are doing it for Christmas find red or green. Stuff your free samples into the roll and wrap them in tissue paper using ribbon to tie the ends. Basically a free gift to give.


Chalkboard Clipboards - requires clipboards (Office Max has 3 for $4.99) and Black Board Paint (8 oz at Home Depot for $2.94. Great for putting in the kitchen to jot down things to pick up or appointments.

Recipe cards. Go to the dollar store and pick up mixing spoons and measuring scoops and index cards. Type your favorite recipes into the computer and print them. If you have a laminator you can laminate them or use clear contact paper. Punch a hole and attach them to the spoons and measuring scoops with a silver ring.

These should be enough to get you started. Share any gifts that you make in the comments.