Project Life: A Day Out with Thomas, 2015

Hi Friends!

Oh my, has it been a LOOOOONG time since I've blogged!  I would think about getting on and sharing my latest projects but then it would seem like there had been such a long break...where to pick up the conversation.

Where to begin?

I guess by going back to where we stopped?  That was the end of last summer when I hurt my calf muscle, by tearing it three inches.  That was quite the pickle I got myself into!  It seems like a long time ago, and yet recently enough where the time between seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye.

I've been told that time flies as you get older and I have to say, I'm finding that quite true.  While not blogging, I've managed to get a lot done.  I'm actually current in my Project Life/Scrapbooking. That's in large part, because I got hurt and couldn't do very much of anything but sit around.

Then once I was better, any extra time was spent playing catch up with all the tasks, projects, and work around the house that had gotten neglected while doing physical therapy and recovering.

So without dragging this out too much, I decided to come back into blogging by sharing what I love most...memory keeping.

Last weekend, we took our little guy to see Thomas the Train, he's now four and I was hoping we could get away without going but no.  He definitely want to go see his favorite pal from the island of Sodor again.

Page Details:

I'm so far behind in sharing my Project Life pages that this is actually the page from LAST year's visit, when my little nugget was three.  His sister was sick so she she stayed with a sitter at home while he got to experience a little only child outing.  Needless to say, he loved it and documented it with some Slate Core Kit (printed kit discontinued, digital version available here) and fancied up a couple pictures with Just Add Color Overlays (digital version available here) and a few stickers.  It was an easy peasy page.

Hope you've all been able to make time for creativity and indulging in some me time:)  If not, hopefully soon!  {{Hugs}}

Life Lately, Making Lemonade out of Lemons

Hello Friends!  I'm sorry it's been so long since I updated.  This break was a unexpected, but for now, my online life is on the back burner but I think everyone will understand why.

In early August, I tore my left calf muscle lengthwise.  It's about eight centimeters long so almost a complete tear.  Can't say I was doing anything especially cool or fun, in fact, I just was running down the stairs!  I should probably make up a more exciting story.

This photo was taken at the beginning of the month after I got my boot and was finally able to be out and about for more than just quick trips in and out of the doctors office.  Even with the increased mobility, resorting to the electric scooter was still the best option as my legs get tired easily.  I'm doing better and better though.  In fact, I'm already out of the boot and walking almost normally.  Things are still very, very stiff but I'm working at getting things moving easier at physical therapy.

My doctor told me to expect it to be a total of at least three months for the recovery process.  Looking on the bright side, I didn't need surgery and my husband works close by.  He comes home at lunch and helps me get the kids fed and my little guy down for quiet time.  This was an especially big help during the end of the summer, when both kids were still home.  He's a big help and I'm so lucky to have his support.  My nine year old daughter has also been a big help, I'm more mobile now but at first I couldn't do much at all so I really needed her to go grab things and help her little brother.

One of my best friends has been coming by periodically to help tackle things like the floors and dusting.  Those are two of my biggest pet peeves, I can't stand crumbs everywhere!  I'm really bummed that the last month of summer, we couldn't do more fun stuff with the kids but their friends have been really good about coming over to visit and keep them company.

Everything will be better in time, key word being time.  I just have to wait and be patient while things heal up.

Birchbox August 2015: Soak It Up!

*Referral Link Included

Hi Friends!  Even thought it's late, I wanted to hop on and share what I got in my August Birchbox, because I like it so much, starting with the cute box!  It's a swimming pool, fun for the end of summer, isn't it?

Most importantly, this month the box was an overall hit with just one miss, I think it might be the one I self selected - spoiler alert, it was the Coola product.

RUSK® Volumizing Mousse - Full Size 8 oz., $18:  I haven't used mousse in awhile, but this one worked surprisingly well.  I have naturally way hair and on humid summer days it just isn't worth the hassle of trying to straighten it out.  I liked how this gave me hold without crunchiness and leaving my hair with a wet look once dry.

Air Repair Complexion Boosting Moisturizer - Full Size, $20: I used this moisturizer at night, as it doesn't contain SPF.  Instead, it has antioxidants and humectants to hydrate and revitalize skin, and Birchbox mentions that it's helpful with minimizing how travel can affect your complexion.  I happened to go away for a quick overnight trip to Chicago so beyond using at night, I also tried it for intense treatment, sort of like a mask.  I liked both uses, as it has a light formula and clean scent.  I think it's perfect for summer, but I probably need something heavier for winter.

Beauty Protector Protect & Oil, Full Size: &25.95: This brand is a favorite of mine, love their shampoo & conditioner.  I was really looking forward to their foray into the hair oil field and it did not disappoint!  It has the same light and slightly sweet scent as their other products and works great as to protect before heat styling or as a finishing product.  Only a few drops are needed per use so this sample will last me at least a full month.

LAQA & Co. Charm School Kit - Full Size Set of 3 with Clutch $20:  All subscribers got one of the three shades in this set of lip and cheek crayons.  At first glance it's a nicely sized sample, but upon rolling it up, it's really only half a inch or so of product.  That was a bit of a bummer, but the larger sized container does make it easier to apply than if they'd sent a bitty one.

I received the shade Humble Brag and I love the color.  It is a really lovely and flattering neutral, kind of a your lips but better shade on me.  It's great for and everyday color, so I'm bummed that the sample wasn't bigger.  I would consider purchasing this shade in a full size, but Birchbox only carries it in sets and I know I wouldn't use the other ones.  I'd also have to carefully research how big the full size actually is, because no way would I pay full price for a half inch lip crayon!

COOLA® SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray, Full Size $36: This was my self selected product, chosen because I really like the other COOLA products I've tried.  Unfortunately, I didn't like the texture of this finishing spray.  It felt kind of sticky, not pleasant on the skin when it's already hot and humid!  I'm still really glad I got this, as I was super curious about it!  Nice I could try it and get several uses without having to purchase.

If you'd like to join me as a Birchbox subscriber, please consider using my referral link.  Thanks!