Papermellie

Bipolar Dreamin'

For years I have anticipated this season...

not necessarily with excitement, but more with a curiosity...

I love and am so thankful that I have been able to stay home to raise our children.

My path looked SO different 12+ years ago!

We are reaching a milestone here in our family...

In the fall, all 4 of our children will officially be in school... ALL DAY! 

{Stay with me, this may be a little lengthy;)}

When I was younger, I always dreamed of designing.  One day it was fashion design, the next, interior design, then back to fashion {you get the point;)} 

As I prepared for college as a single mom, I wanted to choose a path that would allow me to serve and help others, so I choose Administration of Justice as a major {I actually wanted to do some sort of detective work}  and after a year, switched my major to Sociology.  Regardless of what my actual job title would be, I always imagined myself in a big city... wearing a suit... working HARD!

My husband graduated a year and a half before I was to graduate and immediately got a fabulous job down in Orlando, Fl {naturally, because he is AMAZING at what he does!}

I worked for a little while in HR at the Dolphin Hotel {LOVED THAT JOB} as we planned our wedding and our life together.  I already had Mel and about 4 months after our wedding, we found out that we were expecting Mikah! 

At that point, my husband was the one that suggested the idea that I stay home with the kiddos.  To be honest, this was never, ever an option for me, but the more we talked about our life and family, the more this idea made sense.  So, add 2 more little boys and this is what we did for over 12 years!

Throughout these years, I have been able to find the things that truly make my heart happy.

My love for design and creating was absolutely reignited because I was able to be home and foster that passion while nurturing our children... Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, babe!

Fast forward to today.  I have worked part time, served in ministries, and run my own business {for 8 years!} on a part time basis while being a full-time mother, but the time has come to kick it up a notch!

After a lot of prayer and planning, I thought... no I was sure, that I wanted to focus on growing my business once the kids were in school.  I have been preparing, planning and gradually building up to the moment when I didn't have to feel guilty working while the kiddos were right here with me.

And then...

Just last week, hubby and I took our daughter and a friend to the Bulls/ Celtics game.  Dennis works downtown, not too far from the United Center so the girls and I just took the train to meet him. 

I don't know where it came from... All of those old dreams of working in the city came flooding back.  These dreams hadn't even been an option for years.

Oh, how I loved riding that train.

I was completely in my element making my way, like Frogger, through the crowds of people.

I gazed, in awe of all of the beautiful buildings and saw myself... in my suit... heading to work.

I have been in this city a million times, why was I seeing it with this new pair of eyes?

Was it that I was just ready for the next season and this looked SO different {and enticing}?

Did I feel like I had something to prove?

Was I holding on to the "ideal" of what this might be?

The truth is, I have no idea what that was all about!

{hence the title of this post}

I do know that God has an amazing plan for this next season of my life.

I trust that, just like this season, the next will be so much better than anything that I can plan for myself and I can't wait!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.  Jer. 29:11

Spring/ Easter Inspirtation {PI # 61-66}

Happy Good Friday, All!

Just wanted to share a quick post with a couple of quick, last minute decoration ideas... a few that will double as Easter AND Spring decor.

Oh, I am loving all of the beautiful {free} printables that have been pinned on Pinterest.  I think I spent $6.00 {maybe} on all of my Spring/ Easter decorating!

{I CAN NOT find the original pin on this one...}

"Everyday..." {free printable}

"Easter..." {free printable}

Garland

"He is not here..." {free printable}

"What I love..." {free printable}

"Spring..." {free printable}

 

Have a wonderful and Blessed Easter!

 

No-Bake Energy Bites {PI #60}

This has got to be my favorite Pinterst recipe thus far!

I am always looking for ways to satisfy both my sweet tooth and love for things that nourish my body.  As I've gotten older, I've been more in touch with what fuels my body and what shuts it down.

I LOVE sweets, but always regret eating certain things because I physically feel so horrible.  I'm slowly transitioning into a place where feeling healthy and energetic is much more enjoyable than a few indulgent moments of sweet treats.

Don't misunderstand, I find so much joy in baking that I will not be giving that up anytime soon, but am trying to find a better balance.

These No-Bake Energy Bites will definitely be a new staple in our home! They are the best of both worlds!

This is something that my children {and myself} can enjoy and I can feel good about putting this in our bodies for fuel AND I know exactly what is in there. These are honestly better than any store bought granola bar/ bite that I have tried {and we buy a LOT of bars here!}

Here is the recipe courtesy of gimmesomeoven.{from this pin}

No-Bake Energy Bites Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (dry) oatmeal (I used old-fashioned oats)
• 1 cup toasted coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup ground flax seed
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Method:

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until thoroughly mixed.  Let chill in the refrigerator for half an hour.  Once chilled, roll into balls of whatever size you would like.  (Mine were about 1″ in diameter.)  Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Makes about 20-25 balls.

In case you are not fully convinced, I thought I would share with you just a few specific benefits of the bites.

The Oatmeal {courtesy of Care2.com}

Low calorie food; stops cravings.

Provides high levels of fiber, low levels of fat, and high levels of protein.

Stabilizes blood sugar and reduces risk of diabetes (type 2)

Removes your bad cholesterol (without affecting your good cholesterol).

Contains lignans which protect against heart disease and cancer.

Contains unique antioxidants beneficial for heart disease.

Protects against heart failure.

Enhances immune response to disease.

 

The Honey {courtesy of organicfacts.net}

Antibacterial and Anti fungal Properties.

Antioxidants.

Good Source of Vitamins and Minerals.

Good source of energy {easy to digest} Improves Athletic Performance.

 

The Flax seed {Courtesy of flaxhealth.com}

Fights Cholesterol, Diabetes, Constipation, Inflammation, Heart Disease & “The Blues”

High in lignans, Omega 3’s & Fiber

I went ahead and packaged these in little baggies for the kiddos to grab on the go!

Happy Snacking!

On Being Real {PI #59}

Every once in a while I hear that gentle reminder, it's a word that resonates in my mind from time to time... I have gotten off track and I need to find my way back. 

As I was lying in bed last night, the thoughts were loud.  The message was clear.

AUTHENTIC

The dictionary definition is this:

not false or copied: genuine and original, as opposed to being a fake or reproduction

In my heart and mind, I always want to strive to live an authentic life. I love this life. But sometimes I think my actions speak otherwise.  Sometimes I get so caught up in what I admire about someone else's life, that I forget all that I love about mine.  And Sometimes I try to portray that things are great in my life because I don't want you to know how messy they really are.

I DO NOT have it all together. 

There are cobwebs on my kitchen ceiling and I've walked by them for days now thinking that I need to go back and get them, but I haven't.

It seems impossible for me to stay on task.

My husband and I DID NOT meet at church or in a library, but through mutual friends at a party.  We really talked for the first time at a dance club where I was wearing bell bottoms, a "cut-off" shirt and platform shoes {it was 1996} and I was sporting a "bindi" because I was obsessed with Gwen Stephani.

{i'm pretty sure this was it}

I struggle with my body. 

If I go more than a few days without working out, I feel guilty.

Sometimes I have really amazing ideas that I never do anything with.

It's not uncommon for me to take 2 showers a day, but I will go 4 days or so without washing my hair.

I love fruits and vegetables but can't go a day without chocolate.

I hate confrontation.

There have been times of amazing joy and contentment in my life and there have been times of darkness and despair.  There are things that I am so proud of and things that I am not proud of, but I CHOOSE to be thankful for every one of those things, because they are the things that make me, me.

This in MY story. 

There may be others who share in certain trials or dreams, but there is no one that shares my entire story, page for page.  It was written just for me.

I CHOOSE to live in truth and to nurture the dreams and spirit inside of me, because they are mine.

 

St. Patty's Day Display {PI #51-58}

I am slowly falling further and further behind in documenting my journey with Pinterest Inspired projects.  Primarily because I am so excited about actually DOING the projects, that I haven't taken the time to sit down and tell you all about it;)  I have to say... I have never been more creatively productive in my life!  Please... I am begging you...if you have not checked Pinterest out yet... WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!  I am LOVING every moment of this self-inflicted challenge!

I was SO thrilled with these St. Patrick's Day projects that I found!

 

Every year it's the same story, I go from Valentine decor to Easter decor and the kids are always begging me to put something up for St. Patty's day.

Well this year I did!

It was more out of desperation.  I am in the middle of a large special order  and my hands and eyes needed a break from the monotony.

I just got started on my SPD projects and within an hour and a half I had all of these decorations up {not because I am that quick or able to focus, but because these were so simple}!  Several of the items I simply printed out!  Seriously, aside from it being so quick, I may have spent $5.  I bought 2 frames, some vase filler and window clings {for the plate} at the dollar store and every thing else I had around the house.

You can find the original pinspirations and instructions with each photo.

{Subway Art, Filled Jars}

{Banner, Lucky..., Without the rain..., plate)

{Banner, Framed Art  both printable}

DIY Luxury Pillow ON THE CHEAP! {PI #50}

This worked our just perfect!

I had my sewing machine out {many thanks to my sweet friend, Sarah for dropping hers off within moments of me requesting it, because mine was broken;)} AND I had my stuffing out from making my DIY Wedding Date Pillow , so I thought, "I might as well utilize that mojo and get some more projects done!"

I mean, contrary to what the men may say, you really CAN'T have too many pillows!

I will admit, I have had these supplies for about 9 months... but who's really keeping track;)

So, do you want to know the secret to these fabulous, luxurious and GORGEOUS pillows that I made for about $4.00 each???

DISCONTINUED FABRIC SAMPLES!

I KNOW! Genius, right!

As I said, about 9 months ago, I was in Joann Fabrics and just happened upon an end cap of dozens of fabric samples that were discontinued and therefore being sold for next to nothing.  Each sample {that I purchased anyway} was between 16" and 20"... the perfect size for throw pillows! AND they were being sold for 1/2 off of $2.00 each!  I thought that was great, but was even more excited when I saw the pricing on the samples.  If I were to special order these fabrics, they ranged in price from $30 -$50 per yard!!!  I didn't have to do any measuring or cutting, I simply thumbed through the whole stash, picked out some coordinating samples, brought them home and {9 months later} sewed them together!

And that is how I managed to get my DIY Luxury Pillows On The Cheap!

DIY Wedding Date Pillow {PI #49}

I just love beautiful pillows!

They are one of those home accessories that instantly change the look of your decor AND they are so easy and inexpensive to make!

The added bonus for me...

Max LOVES to stuff pillows.

Which works out wonderfully, because I don't;)

He thinks it's his job and he looks forward to the little bit of change I give him for his hard work.

When I saw this pin, I was in love and I really wanted to get this pillow done in time for our anniversary {2 days ago}, but my plan did not work out as well as I had hoped.

I do love the way it turned out, but it took MUCH longer than I had hoped.

My original plan was to use a large alphabet foam stamp set that I have {recommended}, but couldn't find it when I needed it... Don't you hate that!

So, I went with the flow, made some stencils with the Cricut, traced everything and then hand painted all of the letters with black acrylic paint. {ps. I DO NOT enjoy painting!}

If you are going to do this project, I would definitely say go with the foam stamps!

The end result is what is important, though and I am thankful that the hard work paid off.  I love the way this turned out and will proudly display it as a reminder of OUR beautiful day!

13 Years...on our way to FOREVER {PI #48}

I believe that every thing happens for a reason.

I believe that God DOES NOT make mistakes.

I believe the old adage "what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger!"

I believe that marriage is meant to be forever!

Today my Hubby and I are celebrating our 13 YEAR anniversary!

I LOVE THIS MAN!

Do you ever just think of how blessed you are that someone loves you for YOU! Not that we're unlovable, but let's be honest, we all have our little quirks... and while we're at it, we can be a bit moody, girls... Is it just me?

I am thankful that God saw a man that would love all of those little things that make me, ME and who would extend me some grace when needed!

My kiddos think this song is SO cheesy, but I absolutely love it... it reminds me of hubby and I!

 

Every time it comes on, I crank it up and sing as loud as I can, while they all chime in:

"mom, stop!",

"you're so weird!"

Come on, would I be doing my job if they didn't think that;)

 

Unfortunately, as thankful as I am for the love that we have, I am heart broken at the marriages crumbling around us.

I know that there will always be factors working against us.

It is our responsibility to protect this union that God has ordained and I know that if we all spent even a portion of the time on our marriage as we spend on things such as work, social media, etc.,  we might not have the same gloom statistics.

As parents of 4 children, we are guilty of not spending enough time nurturing "US".  Maybe you're in the same boat...

I have found a few different prompts for date ideas {Pinterest style} and I am vowing to be more intentional to make our marriage a priority!

From the blog Six Sister's Stuff, {this pin},

Here are my top 10 faves from their "50 fun and cheap date ideas" 

{check the link above for full list and instructions}

Write a bucket list

Restaurant at home

Exercise together

20 questions

Take some lessons

Theme night

Volunteer

Have a coupon date

Go to a thrift store

Be a tourist in your own city

 

and from Life in the Green House {this pin}, a super cute Date Jar!

 

Consider yourself challenged!

What are you doing to make your marriage a priority?

I'd love to hear from you;)

 

Happy Anniversary, Baby!

DIY Monogrammed Coffee Mugs {PI #47}

I am a sucker for anything Monogrammed!

Heck, I am a sucker for anything that is personalized.

So when I saw this pin on Pinterest, I HAD to recreate it.

I was extra motivated to move right into this project after using the vinyl for the "every love story..." board.  I had left overs so I wanted to use it right away while it was out.  AND, I thought it would be super cutie patootie to have matching monogrammed mugs for our anniversary;)

The bonus... It literally took me about 5 minutes!!

Who doesn't love THAT kind of  project!

So this is what I did...

I used 2 mugs that I already had, the Provo Craft 3 mil. black adhesive backed vinyl again, set my Cricut to 4" with the Story Book cartridge on Tall/ borders and cut away...

then I just applied each monogram to my clean, white mugs!

Super simple and I didn't spend a dime!

"Every Love Story"... Board {PI #46}

It is February and I have LOVE on the brain!

There is Valentine's Day, yes, but it is also our Anniversary month {more to come on Monday;)}  I feel especially justified leaving Vday decor up all month long because it kind of serves double duty!

When I saw this pin, I was in love!

I adore cheesy, mushy sayings {just ask my sister} and this one was right up my alley.

"Every Love Story is Beautiful, but Ours is my Favorite"

I found the perfect board for this project at the Goodwill.  It was originally a very retro piece of artwork {imagine olive green background and large sunflowers}

It was clearly crying out for new life.

This was my motivation... it has been over a year since I picked up a pack of adhesive backed vinyl for use with my Cricut.  I WAS GOING TO USE IT! {and now i have a brand new obsession;)}

As I've said many times, I am using up as much of my "on-hand" supplies as possible, what I had on hand was black vinyl, so that is what I used.  I also had a can of red spray paint that I had gotten on clearance before Christmas, so it was just perfect for this project.

I used black card stock to do a mock cut so that I could get all of the letters just perfectly sized and placed before cutting the vinyl.

For this project I used the Plantin Schoolbook cartridge set on "Tall Ball", Provo craft black adhesive-backed 3 mil. vinyl & Krylon Cherry Red Spray paint.

I love the way this turned out and am SOOOO happy {and shocked at myself} that I got this done before our anniversary!

This original inspiration was created by Landee.

She has her finished version of this board as well as a DIY kit available for purchase in her Etsy Shop.