absolutely, Elisabeth!

Letting Go

2018-08-30T22:47:00.000-04:00

Greeting my dear readers,

"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV).

I truly believe there is a time and place for all things. For the past 10 years, I've enjoyed this space. Being able to share my thoughts, my creativity, but more importantly, being able to connect with so many like-minded individuals across the Blogosphere. This blog couldn't have come at a better time in my life because I needed to connect with others, and as funny as it may seem, connecting with you all in this creative online space has been most meaningful because you get me. We have shared this love for all things crafty like purchasing too much fabric or yarn, savoring the finest pieces, then proclaiming to purge our stash while secretly buying more. (Come on, you know you're guilty.) Or displaying our proudest creations for our loved ones or sharing our failed attempts to master a pattern. But the time has come for change.

I toiled over this idea for quite a bit over the past year or so, but I've finally come to a place where I have to let go. It's odd because I always felt a bit sad when bloggers disappeared from my feed, but now I understand. My life has taken quite a different turn and holding on to the idea of crafting fast enough to blog about it has become a futile pursuit. I've enjoyed this space so much that it's hard to let go, but I realize that sometimes you have to let go in order to receive something new. I still love writing, sharing, blogging, but perhaps on a different topic or across a different platform.

So in case you're curious: Yes, I'm still in graduate school. I submitted my dissertation proposal to my committee. Hopefully I will defend it soon so that I can conduct my research, finish my dissertation and get out of there! I just started year 21 in education. My family is doing well. I finally purchased a new car (Rav 4) after driving my Honda Accord for 20 years. And yes, I could use a good cup of tea. Victorian Earl Grey to be exact, but I'm all out.

Thank you for reading to the end of this most lengthy post (if you made it). I trust that you understand, and again, I thank you for being a part of this amazing journey here on Blogger. Most likely in the very near future, my blog will come down. So, if you're interested in keeping in contact (and you don't already do so), you can catch me on YouTube or email me. I love email.

If it's meant to be, our paths will cross again. Until then, I bid you adieu.

Much Love,

The Game Changer

2018-06-10T21:50:00.002-04:00

In every design project, I believe there is a game-changing moment. A moment when you add or take away a piece, change a color, or rearrange a piece of furniture. A moment when you feel like, Ahh, this is so right.

I've actually had several of those moments.

Game Changer #1: Nightstands

About a year and a half ago, I bought some wooden nightstands from Aldi. Yes, Aldi (a grocery store). They were the perfect size. I wasn't sure if the white was the right shade, but I knew these nightstands were the ones. I finally took a day to assemble the nightstands and when I added them to my guest room, I thought, Oh yeah. Instantly, I added lamps (Habitat Restore purchases) and grabbed a handmade bowl from my Belize trip and a basket from Ross that I never had found a use for, but really loved. Those were to give the room a more organic feel.

Game Changer #2: Pillows and Curtains

I tried the turquoise accent color that I've seen so many times in makeovers. But the moment I added those colors, it took the room entirely in another direction. It literally made me cringe. As quickly as I had put everything up was as quickly as I took it down and returned it to the store. One thing that experience taught me was that I needed a light gray curtain and a dark gray throw pillow.

Game Changer #3: A New Headboard

I had not intended to purchase a new headboard. Actually, in my imagination, I had transformed my mission-style headboard into a tufted headboard that I had extended to make more of a statement in the room. Again, that was in my imagination. In real life, I didn't have time for that, so I decided to keep my headboard. That was until I made the room up with all of my current accessories and discovered how awfully short the headboard was. It was nearly the height of the pillows; thereby causing it to fade into the walls. Wayfair.com to the rescue and in 3 days I had a new headboard that my brother and I assembled and attached to the bed. (Well, mostly me, but I needed him to help me lift mattresses and frames and such. It would have been so much easier if I had realized the need for this headboard before reinstalling the bed.)

So here we are, folks. The room is not complete, but it's definitely going in the right direction for me. Still looking for a small dresser and a stand for a few accessories. I know I want interesting curtain tie backs. And of course, the walls are extremely bare. Gotta add some color back to this very monochromatic space. Although I do have a few pieces of artwork, I'll keep my eye open for a larger piece for the wall that you can't see below.

(This is a night time look.)

What have been some game-changing moments in your home decor projects?

Until next time,

The Beauty of a Made Bed

2018-05-27T22:37:00.001-04:00

I must confess. I rarely make up my bed. *Gasp* On a good day, I will. On the weekends, I might. But during the work week, almost never. However, in my guest room, I have always kept the bed made whether there's a guest or not. So, it is befitting to make up the bed for my evolving guest room makeover. And although ironing sheets is not on my list of things I truly enjoy, it was a pleasure to complete each step just to see the room take shape.

I don't know who invented these bed skirt pins, but I want to officially thank him or her. Because of these pins, I could keep the bed skirt in place while I single-handedly slid the mattress on top of the box spring. Do you know how many times that act has been unsuccessful in the history of me making up beds?! The agony.

This comforter set included the entire ensemble and is reversible. The sheets are two prints in one (one print on the top half and the other print on the bottom). So, depending on how you make the bed, will determine which pattern is actually seen. Very cool.

Years ago, my aunt taught me another way to arrange the top sheet. She actually turns it backwards so that the reverse side is on top. That way two things happen: 1) When you're under the covers, you get to enjoy the pretty print and 2) When you fold the top sheet down, the pretty pattern is exposed, not the faded version. Genius idea!

Finally, the bed is made and I'm loving it. I want to purchase an additional throw pillow but I can't decide upon a color until the space is complete. I'm not certain I want a third color just yet.

What do you think? Do I need an accent color?

Until next time,

It's the Little Things That Make All the Difference

2018-05-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

Hello lovelies,

The small touches are almost complete. And yes, I hired a third handyman! His fees were even more reasonable than the first two AND he took the time to show me how to be an electrician (if I absolutely had to). No thank you, but I enjoyed the tutorial.

So, Handyman #3 installed a ceiling fan and changed all the electrical receptacles and the light switch out so that they would all be white. Before they were all beige with these grooves in them. I honestly think they were the originals.

I learned so much about "hot" wires and grounding wires, so much so that the electrician said he would test me by allowing me to install my next ceiling fan while he assisted me. EEEEK!

After I had the room painted, there were some areas that got missed and a few that needed to be touched up. Instead of calling him back, I just did the work myself. It was kind of therapeutic.

p.s. I found my curtains. I'm not certain they will look right in the space with the comforter set I have, but I'm not opposed to purchasing another set to match while white is still in season, if they're a reasonable price. I think I need a set of panels without trim and decorations; just plain.

Tomorrow I hope to have my bed reassembled and placed back in this room. Then I can truly put the room together. In the meantime, I'm looking for a thrifted dresser that I can makeover for this space. The dresser I had in there (the one from my childhood) is not really what I want in the space anymore.

What about you? Working on any home improvement projects?

Note: All of these photos were taken at night, so the true color of the paint doesn't show.

Until next time,

12th Tea Cup Exchange {Reveal}

2018-05-17T20:30:00.001-04:00

Periodically, Stephanie from The Enchanting Rose, hosts a Tea Cup & Mug Exchange. I've had the pleasure of participating in this exchange on several occasions and have absolutely enjoyed each time. This time, I created a tea package for Pam of The Lady of the House Speaking. If you're curious about what I sent her, check out her blog reveal HERE. As for me, my package was sent from Regina from Plain Keeper at Home. Before my package even arrived, Regina and I exchanged several emails where we learned more about each other and talked about life. I've really enjoyed "meeting" her and look forward to a continued friendship.

Regina was so kind and honored my request of loose teas. Although loose teas are not popular in her area, she went the extra mile and purchased a tea online and had the company ship it to me. So, in essence, I received two packages in the mail, but I waited patiently until they were both in my home AND I had mailed my package off to Pam (to be fair).

Look at all the wonderful goodies Regina sent me:

Regina handmade these tea coasters and napkins

There were also some M&M's but I ate those already...oops!

Thank you, Regina, for all the lovely gifts. And to you, Pam, I hope you are able to make your way to England, but in the meantime, I know you will be sitting pretty and hopefully sipping some tea during the Royal Wedding. :-)

If you want to see all the other tea cup swaps, please head over to Stephanie's link up.

Until next time,

Feeling Fancy - My First Tea Parlour Experience

2018-04-19T18:43:00.000-04:00

For quite a while, I've wanted to visit an actual tea parlour. Little did I know, there was one located less than 30 miles from me. I don't know how many times I perused the website, dreaming of a special occasion to engage in this tea experience. I wondered if I should dress up and wear hat and gloves or just arrive. I questioned who I should share this experience with and if it should be associated with a special occasion. Secretly I wished I could have celebrated my 40th birthday last year at this place with a handful of friends, but that wasn't to be. So in the end, I decided that having tea at this tea parlour would be the treat-to-self for submitting my dissertation proposal, which was quite a task. (Interpret this as: I kept procrastinating and/or life kept getting in the way.). I submitted my proposal draft at the end of December. Fast forward to April; that's when I finally went to tea with one friend. And it was beautiful.

For lunch, I ordered a slice of quiche with a bowl of chicken dumpling soup. My friend that accompanied me and I shared a pot of Ka-Tea Green, a splendid blend of teas perfect for spring. For dessert, I ate a slice of lemon pound cake with whipped cream on the side. I was tempted to purchase some tea to take home, but I'm in the process of destashing my teas, so I constrained myself.

The proprietor of the tea parlour posted the calendar of events for the remainder of the year. I was tickled to see that she will host a tea party for Mother's Day and for the Royal Wedding. Most of the tea parties are themed occasions, while some sounded more like book readings. At any rate, I'd love to visit again, perhaps to try the Afternoon Tea so that I can feast on cucumber sandwiches and mini desserts.

Below is the table where my friend and I dined:

But next time, perhaps I'll sit here. Isn't it a dream?

Have you ever visited a tea parlour before? I'd love to hear all about it.

Until next time,

The Cover Up

2018-03-17T22:54:00.002-04:00

As much as I love the idea of peering out of open windows or the joys of full sunlight beaming into a room, I knew that that was unrealistic. I would need window treatments. Probably about a year ago, I finally found the curtain rods that I wanted from Tuesday Morning. Yes, a year ago. Truth is, I've been pinning ideas for this space for at least two years! Some would ask how I know what I want in a space. The answer is - for any space I've ever redecorated, I've always had an inspiration piece. When no inspiration piece availed itself, no major changes ever occurred in that space. (That's why it took eons for the master bedroom to have some sense of style.)

So what is the inspiration piece for my guest room makeover? This gorgeous swan that I purchased from the Habitat Restore for $5.00. I was stoked when I found this piece. It actually has a companion, but you'll have to wait to see the other when I'm all done.

Handyman #2 installed faux plantation blinds (they're vinyl, not wood, and so much more affordable) and the curtain rods. The only reason they are currently unadorned is because I can't find the curtains I purchased about a year ago. (Insert shame-face.) So now you know I'm not as organized as people think.

The walls are looking better each day (color-wise), but I'm also noticing more places where I need to touch up the paint. I can see the primer peeking through. No worries, though. Then I can say that I painted (even if just a little bit) in this space.

The pictures below were taken at night, as opposed to the first photo with the swan. Please bear with the lighting....

I'm inserting my two latest videos regarding this makeover project. Enjoy!

Until next time,

We've Got Color!

2018-03-10T01:06:00.000-05:00

The painter came back to begin Round 2 of the guest room painting experience. In Round 2, he finished with some prep work and primed the walls. I chose to tint the primer because the initial wall color was an eggshell white and if the primer was tinted, then less of the wall color paint would need to be used. (I know I'm not alone in this, but even when I purchase a 2-in-1 paint/primer, I still prime the walls.)

The next day, the painter returned to finish the work. Just like with the initial prep-day, he was very meticulous. Even still, after inspection, I found a place or two that needed additional paint. It happens, especially when you finish a paint job at night. In the day, the glare will show if there are areas that need a touch-up or two. I'll just do those myself. Then I can say, yes, I did help paint the space. LOL

Each day, as the paint settles into the wall, the color changes a bit. I don't regret choosing a darker, deeper wall color (although I almost second-guessed my choice when I fell in love with the primer color). I plan to balance it out with whites and lighter colored accents.

So what's the next plan of action? Rescreening window screens, hanging blinds and curtains, and a bit of electrical work.

Stay tuned!

Preparing the Walls for Color

2018-03-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's almost surreal that a project I've dreamed about, planned in my head and on my secret Pinterest board, is finally coming to fruition. I've got one of those brains that goes a 1,000, jam-packed of one idea after another, so it's good that this idea is finally being implemented so as to free up some room for all the other 999 ideas. Anyone else's brain works like this?

The painter came on Saturday morning to begin prepping the walls for painting. Although it took months for our schedules to coincide, I'm thankful he sacrificed his Saturday to make allowances for my long weekdays. I was immediately impressed with his level of professionalism - the mere fact that I could go about my business without him asking me for any supplies was stellar. Additionally, he was meticulous in his craft. (You know when you know how to do the work that you're hiring someone else to do, you can be hyper-critical. I have no complaints thus far.)

In older homes, the sheetrock is different from what you purchase now. The surface is not smooth. Nevertheless, he repaired imperfections, sanded as needed, and applied sheetrock mud to numerous areas to ensure a smooth surface. He even mudded over all my paint swatches instead of just covering them with primer.

Several cloths lined the floor to keep debris from dirtying the carpet. I appreciate that, even though I aim to clean the carpet before returning the furniture to the space.

My dream would be to replace the flooring, as I'm not a fan of my carpet anymore. (Ahem, an afternoon trip to Lowes to get my faux plantation blinds led me down the flooring aisle to purchase samples of hardwood and wood laminate floors. That would be a dream! Let me pin that.)

Although my geometry teacher warned against assuming anything, I am going out on a limb and stating that if his prep work is any indication of his painting, I will be pleased with the final outcome.

Until next time,

Not For the Faint of Heart

2018-03-03T14:55:00.000-05:00

The painter is coming in the morning, and I'm just now getting to removing the wallpaper border from this guest room. Yes, it should have been completed weeks ago, but every time he canceled, I secretly believed it was to buy me a little more time for this process. Well, time is up. I'm a bit tired, the bed is calling my name, but I must complete this project.

The good thing is that it's only a border. The bad thing is that it's cheap border so remnants of the paper backside are left behind, which means more clean up.

In a perfect world, I'd remove this carpet and get hardwood floors or at least laminate.

This is my manifesto: THERE WILL BE NO WALLPAPER IN MY HOME FROM THIS DAY FORWARD.

Seriously, no matter how gorgeous they are. No matter how loaded my Pinterest-feed is. No more wallpaper.

That is all.

So, I changed my blog name....AGAIN!

2018-03-01T22:40:00.001-05:00

Hi lovelies,

If you've managed to stumble upon my blog for the second time within the week, you notice that there is a change. Not only did I upload a new template, that I'm still trying to figure out, but I changed my blog name...again! I've been through several sets of changes over the years, but this time will be a bit different because I'm not bothering to change the URL and all that jazz. You know who I am. But because I closed the business associated with my blog name, I figured it was time that my blog matched the name I created for myself on YouTube as well - absolutely, Elisabeth! I believe the name still lets my audience know that I do a bunch of things; I can't be categorized by one area, and thus, it still allows me to share bits and pieces of everything right here.

I miss blogging. It's a completely different style of writing that is quite liberating. I think I'll try it again!

Stick around,

Is Anybody Out There???

2018-02-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Lovelies,

It's been ages since I've really been present on my blog. Trust me, I now understand (even when it saddened me) when bloggers post that dreaded announcement that they will no longer continue blogging. My life has been so full lately that blogging was not an activity that I could readily participate in, and since my crafting days have pretty much come to a stand-still, I wasn't sure if my readers would still be interested in hearing from me. At any rate, here I am...wondering if anybody's out there.

If you're still subscribed, or just passing by, please leave a comment below so that I can get a sense of whether or not we can reconnect. I have lots to say, I've just been saying it on my YouTube channel. But there's something special about writing, blogging that taps into another part of your brain and gives you a different type of fulfillment.

Ok, that's enough for now, let's hear from you!

As always,

Hugs & Kisses,

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 20: WITH THIS RING

2017-04-25T21:26:00.003-04:00

Hello lovelies,

What do you do when two of your co-workers marry each other during Spring Break? You go to the wedding of course! Join me in celebrating the wedding of two really nice people on a beautiful spring afternoon.

DAY 20: WITH THIS RING

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 19: DAY OR NIGHT/THE PERFECT DAY

2017-04-25T21:21:00.003-04:00

Hello lovelies,

For Day 19 of the #SSSVEDA Challenge I decided to merge two topics - whether I'm a day or night person and how I would define a perfect day.

Are you a morning person, a night person, an all-day person (perhaps you function best at any given time of the day)? Heads up, I'm a night person. :-)

Second question, how would you define the perfect day? Oooh. I want to know!

DAY 19: DAY OR NIGHT/THE PERFECT DAY

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 18: PLANT-BASED HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS I LOVE

2017-04-23T21:32:00.002-04:00

Hello lovelies,

Over the years I've been on a quest to minimize products. When possible, I do enjoy multi-use products, whether they be for personal care or household use. Today for Day 18 of the #SSSVEDA challenge, I want to share with you some plant-based household products I have been enjoying.

What natural or plant-based products do you like?

DAY 18: PLANT-BASED HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS I LOVE

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 17: KINDNESS MATTERS

2017-04-23T21:29:00.001-04:00

Hello lovelies,

On Day 17 of the #SSSVEDA challenge, I decided to take you around town with me to the Arts Council. There, you will be able to see some of the artwork of local artisans, but also you'll get to go along with me to have some headshots made. Besides school pictures, I've not had any professional pictures like this taken. I'll definitely share with you the exciting news when it's time, but join me on this little adventure.

DAY 17: KINDNESS MATTERS

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 16: HE IS RISEN

2017-04-18T01:58:00.003-04:00

Hello lovelies,

....and Happy Easter!!! For Day 16 of the #SSSVEDA challenge, I strayed from the script and decided to share a piece of a song from my church and a few photos to commemorate this day.

I hope you all enjoyed a Happy Easter! Feliz Pascua!

DAY 16: HE IS RISEN

p.s. My brother is home for the week, so the three of us get to hang out together during my Spring Break. Good times!

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 15: MY EPIPHANIES

2017-04-18T01:54:00.003-04:00

Hello lovelies,

Today is the halfway mark! Woot Woot! In this segment, we are to share what we've learned in the process. I have two epiphanies to share:
1. Vlogging everyday is difficult, so pre-schedule the videos.
2. I have to have time to create something. If not, it's pretty bad.

To get the details, check out the video dedicated to this. *wink*

DAY 15: MY EPIPHANIES

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 14: MAKE TIME FOR YOUR FRIENDS

2017-04-15T10:58:00.001-04:00

Hello lovelies,

Life has a way of keeping us busy and sometimes that busyness interferes with the important things in life. One of those important "things" are the people in your life - family and friends. My schedule is jammed-packed all the time so when I want to meet up with someone, in order for it actually to happen, I have to schedule it. Choose a date and just go for it. If I say, "Let's get together this summer" and a date isn't chosen, it will never happen.

After I had my taxes filed, I was able to meet up with a friend whom I hadn't seen in almost 3 years. Just one hour of time together was worth the drive.

How do you make time for your friends?

DAY 14: MAKE TIME FOR YOUR FRIENDS

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 13: WHAT'S IN A NAME?

2017-04-15T10:52:00.001-04:00

Hello lovelies,

Today the topic of discussion centers around names. Sometimes we are named specifically after someone, like a family member. Other times names may be chosen because of its sound. And then names can be chosen for cultural significance. I'm sure there are other rationales behind the choosing of a specific name, but one thing I believe is that names matter.

My parents explained the significance of my first name. As a kid, I wasn't too much a fan of it because it was long and in my generation, there was a plethora of these short, cutsy names like Amy and Tina. I had what was considered a classic name. Timeless. Fast forward to now, I wouldn't change my name (although I also use my nickname).

What about you? If you have children, how did you decide upon their names? What does your name mean to you?

DAY 13: WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 12: MY GUILTY PLEASURE

2017-04-15T10:45:00.002-04:00

Hello lovelies,

This post is short and to the point! In this less than 1 minute video, I share with you my guilty pleasure.

What's your guilty pleasure?

DAY 12: MY GUILTY PLEASURE

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 11: GETTING NEW TEETH

2017-04-15T10:43:00.003-04:00

Hello lovelies,

Please pardon me for getting behind in sharing these next few days of videos. Life happened!

As you know, last year I began the implant process with my teeth. In fact, I had 3 oral surgeries last year. Now, it's time to finish up that process. What's left? Impressions, crowns, and a final follow up.

Take the journey with me today to get those impressions made...

DAY 11: GETTING NEW TEETH

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 10: DOLLAR TREE HAUL AND EASTER "BASKETS"

2017-04-11T01:16:00.001-04:00

Hello lovelies,

For Day 10 of the SSSVEDA Challenge, I take you along with me to the Dollar Tree to show you how I created two Easter "baskets" for the other two members of the Instructional Lead Team at my workplace.

Instead of using traditional baskets, I used planters instead. I don't usually make Easter baskets, but it was fun to make something for these ladies. I hope they like them!

Do you make Easter baskets for your kids? family members? Do tell.

DAY 10: DOLLAR TREE HAUL AND EASTER "BASKETS"

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 9: AROUND THE TOWN WITH ME

2017-04-09T18:26:00.000-04:00

Hello lovelies,

For Day 9 of the #SSSVEDA challenge, I've decided to take you shopping with me. I finally got out of the house, after getting my hair washed properly at a salon, and I decided to make a day of it to take advantage of some of my favorite stores. Honestly, when you've been cooped up in the house, it just feels good to get out. You have to make yourself do that sometimes or your mind will start playing tricks on you and you'll get down or have a little pity party. No time for that. So out and about I went.

I was surprised to see that many of my favorite stores had items I had been looking for for so long. I now realize the importance of shopping at the beginning of the season. White is in and I've got some updates I want to make to my home. I didn't purchase too much, but I've got my eye on a couple of items.

Let's Go!

DAY 9: AROUND THE TOWN WITH ME

The SSSVEDA Challenge | DAY 8: MANAGING SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS

2017-04-08T20:24:00.003-04:00

Hello lovelies,

For today's segment, I decided to talk a bit about how I'm going to help manage a skin condition I have - seborrheic dermatitis. I've been diagnosed with this since I was about 20 years old, so about 20 years ago. It's not a condition that can be cured; only managed. I believe that the root cause of mine is stress related, as it only flares up during really stressful times. Dermatologists often prescribe a shampoo (which is not designed for my hair type because it clings terribly to all my coils and is difficult to wash out) and a oil steroid (which if you use it too much you will think out your hair). So basically, I do my best not to have to use those products. Managing stress is the real key and also having a moisture routine that really, really works!

In reviewing my hair/scalp life, I realized that my scalp and hair were at it's best when I followed a more Ayurvedic routine. The herbs used are powerhouses for managing and getting rid of many conditions as well as adding moisture to the hair. It can be a bit time consuming, which is how I strayed away, but luckily through Etsy, I found someone who has dedicated time to mixing these herbs.

If you're interested or just a bit curious, check out Priya from the NIRMITY Shop: Ayurvedic Hair Mask - http://etsy.me/2nWIUnm

I also decided that instead of getting extension twists or braids or having my own strands out, I would try a wig! GASP! I've done that before a few years back, but this wig is well-made and I absolutely love it. It's made by Toni Daley of ToniDaley.com. She designed this wig to mimic the hair of a popular Youtube Vlogger, Gabrielle (Gabe from GabeBabe TV and The Gabe Fix).

I hope I'm on the right track. I hate that I had to lose some hair in the trimming process, but hopefully with the TLC I'm giving it, it will grow back faster and healthier. I'm pretty sure when my schedule calms down, my scalp will too!

DAY 8: MANAGING SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS