Such a long time....

It's been such a long time since I've posted anything here! I didn't realize that the last post was in February.
So much has happened since then. I've tried lots of new things, some were good, some...I don't care to do again, lol. I recently returned to the working world. The kids don't like it so much because they are used to always having me around, but they are getting used to it. It won't be so bad when they see that we have more money to do things! lol

I've had the chance to work on more jewelry and actually turned out a few pieces that I might keep for myself. Most of the pieces I create are one of a kind pieces. I love to recycle, reuse, & repurpose things, so you never know what I'm going to use next. Hell, I don't know until the idea pops into my head sometimes. I'll see something unique and I just know right away what I'm going to do with it.

I've also gotten a chance to do some more sewing. One of my first projects was a craft fair apron using some peace sign material. I had two different prints of peace signs (Mallory's favorite) and used one print for the background and the other for the pockets. It came out pretty good if I do say so myself. :)

I also learned how to crochet drawstring bags. I wanted to make one for the kids' dominoes, then had a friend request one for her runes. I've made 5 so far in various sizes and will make a few more to sell online.

That's another thing I'm working on in my spare time. I've always wanted to have an online store. I've researched different sites and have decided that I will probably go with Etsy. I like their site a lot. I've been researching what sells and have been making a list of things I could easily make that would be interesting, affordable and would be along the same lines of what is selling now.

I'll post more soon as details become available...   :)

This is a picture of my latest afghan. I saw a vintage style afghan made from yarn scraps online recently and tried to find a pattern for it but couldn't. So...I made my own pattern. I wasn't sure how it would come out but it looks really close to the one I saw online. This one will fit a twin bed or can be used as a large throw for the sofa. 

I learned to crochet about a year ago. I learned from watching youtube videos. My mom (who died when I was young) was very talented and could crochet almost anything. She made potholders, afghans, bedspreads with beautiful and elaborate flowers, doilies, table runners, etc. She and her godmother (who was also my godmother) would sit and visit every afternoon and crochet together. I loved being around them and watching them crochet but, sorry to say, didn't inherit the ability. Even though I can't crochet as well as they could, I'm learning and getting better the more I do it. 

I hope to finish this afghan soon. When I do, I will post a pic of the finished project. I also hope to be able to post pics of future projects as well. 

           :) Happy crocheting! :)

Gluten Free...

I stumbled upon a great pizza recipe a few days ago. It was for gluten free pizza. I thought, hmmm...how good will this taste? I made the recipe and was pleasantly surprised! It doesn't have a dough crust, thus, no gluten. It is, however, full of cheesy goodness! lol
Here's the link:
http://glutenfreeeasily.com/flourless-gluten-free-pizza/


In my quest for gluten free recipes for some of my favorite foods, I've come across only a few that are really great! This lifestyle change is going to take some getting used to, but I think I can do it. It's out of necessity that I change what & how I eat. If I don't, I am one sick puppy! I don't remember in all of my life hurting as much as I did a couple of weeks ago when I stayed in bed for 3 days because every joint hurt so badly that I could barely move. For me to cry, I have to be really sick or hurt really badly and cry I did. Tylenol helped some, but I refused to take anything stronger. All this came about because I had eaten too much wheat. I know I'm not supposed to, but I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't find anything good to eat. Bread is one of my favorite foods. Bread to me is like ice cream to my kids. lol Life is just not the same without it. I was starting to feel depressed and thought I'd eat just a couple of things and while I'd be sick, it wouldn't be so bad....Right.
Besides all the normal symptoms of a wheat allergy that I normally have, I developed a rash on my left arm again and what felt like every cell of my body hurt so badly that all I wanted to do was curl up in the fetal position and sleep. It hurt to move, hell, it hurt just to think about moving! Finally near the end of the third day, the pain started to ease some and I realized it was because I had not eaten any wheat in 3 days. It clicked. I realized that I needed to suck it up and move forward. And, that if I changed the way I ate, I'd feel better.
I'm feeling better now and don't think I'll be moping any time soon. :)