Defective Compositions

The Inspiration Challenge Giveaway #2

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:46:00 +0000

Well, I have had an extremely busy week, so I didn't actually complete the challenge this time. Yesterday I was gone pretty much all day, preparing for and attending a homeschool Ball! It was a great time, but it meant that I didn't do a last project for this week.

However, it's time for a giveaway! Here's the prize:

Sweet little Sewing Machine necklace from Life with Abibliophobia

Miss Amanda has kindly donated this darling piece for one of you to win!

| requirements |

1. Please complete the mandatory entry first before continuing to the optional entries.

2. This giveaway is only available for those in the US.

3. Giveaway ends March 9th at midnight (Pacific Time).

| mandatory entry |

Leave a comment on this post. It doesn't have to answer a specific question or anything, but just be friendly!

*****

| optional entries |

1. If you participated in the Inspiration Challenge, post a separate comment with a link to your Inspiration Challenge posts in each comment.

2. Subscribe to my blog, or follow me on Twitter. (one comment each)

3. Go to Life with Abibliophobia and leave a comment saying hi!

Thanks for participating!

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:16:00 +0000

You know those pictures of homes where all of the books are color coordinated, or all turned around so that mostly the white pages are showing? Well, I must admit that I've been tempted to do that; at least the color coordinating bit. Really though, it puts all of the books in a jumble! I couldn't put my Jules Verne collection next to the crochet pattern books, now could I?

Here's where an old idea comes in handy.

DIY Paperback Book Covers shows how simple, stylish, and coordinated you can make your books, without ruining them, or loss of true organization. As far as my project went, I'm pretty happy with the results, although I should have ironed the paper bags before I put them on looking like dirty clothes.

My cat enjoyed the project too. Or...it might have been the treats I left for her to find amidst the stack of books. Naw, Minnie's always been a book lover.

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:10:00 +0000

For today's project I found this free "Whatever Is" printable by Arian Armstrong, and printed it out. I wrote some lovely things to think about today on it, then pasted it into my journal. After that, I went to do something, came back, made my bed, and several things, and now I can't find my journal. Which means I can't take a picture of it to show you all. Even though it sounds like a "dog ate my homework" excuse, it's not. You'll just have to take my word for it!

What did you accomplish on this fine last day of February? Don't forget you can jump in at any time!

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:13:00 +0000

For newcomers, feel free to jump in at any time during this week! Two items made in a week is better than none at all.

Also, don't forget to link back to The Inspiration Challenge in the posts on your blogs. Feel free to take the banner to use in your posts! This helps others to be able join in the fun as well.

I kind of consider my project for today to be somewhat of a fail. I like the idea, the source of inspiration, and the endless possibilities of what you can do with these little owls (inspired by The Owlies Shop), but mine just did not turn out quite right. He's cute enough, but when you click back to where the idea came from you can see that his ancestors are much more adorable.

What did you make today?

The Inspiration Challenge ~ Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

For the first day of the challenge, I thought a new recipe would be fun to try, so this No-Carb Pizza recipe sounded perfect.

It tasted a bit like lasagna, so it was pretty good, but the crust was certainly not sturdy enough to pick up. A fork was needed. If anyone has any good ideas on something to add to help, let me know!

A friend of mine who is participating in the challenge made this really cute scarf! Thanks so much for sharing!

What did you make today?

A Change of Plans for the Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:41:00 +0000

Due to a recent blog post by a photographer/lawyer, I felt some changes needed to be made to the upcoming challenge. Don't worry, it's nothing drastic!

Please go and read "Why I Tearfully Deleted My Pinterest Inspiration Boards" by DDKPortraits. It discusses the legal issues behind using Pinterest, and why you may choose to opt out.

I myself have decided to opt out. I love Pinterest as much as the next gal, however the thought has plagued me for some time that it's just a sneaky way to be illegal, so this isn't a surprise to me. As much as we value independence, we don't often stop to independently think that maybe what everybody else is doing is wrong. Instead we go along with the flow and pin pictures that aren't ours at all. Instead I will be bookmarking my favorite tutorials with that handy feature that most browsers have.

Anyhoo, in lieu of the Pinterest challenge that happened last month and was about to happen again, I am switching it to "The Inspiration Challenge". Sounds...inspiring...doesn't it?

The new plans are, that the challenge is not limited to Pinterest findings, since we find inspiration all over the web, right? Besides, it's not truly Pinterest where these things come from. I follow several craft blogs, and so often I am inspired by the pictures and projects they post. However, how often do we act upon that inspiration? I usually continue to sit there looking at blogs, and think, "Oh, I'll make that another time." This challenge helps to change that.

The rest of the challenge will remain the same, every day, complete a project and post about it. Feel free to jump in at any time! The simple change just removes the requirement of any specific website, which shouldn't have happened in the first place.

Sound good? I think so! I'm all ready to gear up for this very exciting week, and I hope you are too!

Welcome to the Inspiration Challenge!

Quotes on Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 18:02:00 +0000

A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.

~William Penn

Ointment and perfume delight the heart,
And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.

~Psalm 27:9

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

~John 15:12-13

The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.

~C.S. Lewis

How great victory was that which Jonathon must have gained over himself, when he rejoiced to see David raised above him! He discerned the mind of God in David, and had so learned to delight in God, that he did not see in David one who was to outshine him, but another faithful man raised up for God and Israel.

~Robert C. Chapman

Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

~Romans 12:9-10

It costs to be a friend or to have a friend. It not only costs time, affection, patience, love, but sometimes a man must even lay down his life for his friends. There is no true friendship without self-abnegation, self-sacrifice.

~Unknown

If I take offence easily; if I am content to continue in cold unfriendliness, though friendship be possible, then I know nothing of Calvary love.
~ Amy Carmichael

When friends stop being frank and useful to each other, the whole world loses some of its radiance.
~Anatole Broyard

Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss!

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:15:00 +0000

It's next week my friends! Starting on Monday and going through Friday, the Pinterest challenge will be attempted once more!

After last month's challenge was completed there were several people who left comments lamenting on the fact that they had missed it by several days, or the entire week through no fault of their own! In fact, I am perfectly willing to lay the blame on myself, because I simply jumped into it and didn't give anyone any time to think.

Now you still have time to think about it, plan ahead, and get excited! If you don't know what the Pinterest Challenge is be sure to check out the introductory post.

~~~

One other thing before you go. I started following this adorable blog, Wild Olive, a few weeks ago. I have to say that I'm hooked on this girl's designs. They are cute, fun, whimsical, and can be on anything from Valentines Day cards to embroidery patterns. What's not to love about cute little smiley faces that adorify anything? (Yes, it's possible I made up that word, adorify.)

Speaking of embroidery patterns, she's starting up an stitch swap! Sign up, and you will have a month to complete and send a little project that should fit into a 4" hoop. I'm really excited about this idea, and am seriously considering participation! One thing to remember though is that this swap is including all of our International neighbors as well (Yay!), so be prepared to possibly pay a little extra shipping.

So, Pinterest Challenge and Stitch Swap. Are you as excited as I am?

Dearest Whatsits

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:29:00 +0000

Jenny and Abigail have posted some of their favorite things, and while this is a fairly popular blog topic it's such an appealing one that I decided to do one too.

> The smell of old books

> Writing when inspiration hits

> Reading books that inspire me to try harder

> Perfectly shaped cursive letters

> Good Science Fiction

> A well-organized spot

> Music from musicals

> Works (books, movies...) that make you think and wonder

> Classic literature

> Yarn shops sorted by color

> Excellently executed allegories

> Rosemary Sutcliff

> Clearance racks

> My favorite childhood books

> Growing and learning in my walk with Christ

A School Project

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:31:00 +0000

A lazy, late-start school day is usually unproductive around here. We'll get it all done, but it probably won't be as motivated or fun as it would have been earlier in the day. Don't ask me why. Today, though, was a little different.

I also usually have a hard time finding a craft or activity to go along with what I read to my little brother in his school book, but today I knew what I was going to do in no time.

Paper teepees, almost dry markers, fast food dinner, a cheesy movie with my siblings; all in all an enjoyable, laid-back day.

I love the airplane on my little brother's teepee. An interesting interpretation of the assignment, no?

February Photo Challenge ~ Valentines Day

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 01:12:00 +0000

You will find as you look upon your life that the moments that you truely live are the moments you have done things in the spirit of love.

~Henry Drummond

He that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God. God is love. Therefore love. Without distinction, without calculation, without procrastination, love. Lavish it upon the poor, where it is very easy; especially upon the rich, who often need it most; most of all upon out equals, where it is very difficult, and for whom perhaps we do the least of all.

~Henry Drummond

Happiness... consists in giving, and in serving others.

~Henry Drummond

To love abundantly is to live abundantly, and to love forever is to live forever.

~ Henry Drummond

Some Good Reads

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:08:00 +0000

This is a collection of posts that date from the middle of January to this last week. Each of them resonated with me in some way, and I hope they will for you too! If you're looking to be inspired, something lovely to read, or even some new blogs to follow, definitely peruse the links below.

Comment Replying and Blog Tips ~ YES. I didn't know about the replying by email bit, but I agree with the blog tips 100%.
Whatever You Do ~ A good reminder for myself, as well as an encouragement for you as well!
Lovin' the Big Years ~ There are precious moments in all stages of life.
Thoughts for the Lord's Day ~ Are we wasting our days in selfishness, or are redeeming the time by obeying the commands that God has given us?
What is {True} Love? ~ Is love hopping from relationship to relationship? How is love really defined?
The Hound and the Hart ~ Seeking God's will is all well and good (if you go about it the right way!), but wouldn't it be better to seek the heard of God instead?

If you read any of those posts, what were your thoughts?

Highlights of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 01:05:00 +0000

>1<
We've been enjoying our new pellet stove this week. Such a cozy, blanket-and-sock feeling. Taking my reading or handwork out to the living room is much more fun.

>2<
Deciding to branch out into embroidery patterns, and whipping out the first design in no time. I'm still trying to figure out what quote I want to go with it, but if all goes well I hope to be putting it up in the shop soon!

>3<
Having my uncle here for the week has made everything a little more enjoyable. He's mainly here to go up to the mountain when my brother goes snowboarding, but he is just fun to have around all the time.

>4<
My dress for the upcoming ball is coming along nicely, and the embroidery is almost complete! I think...I still haven't decided if I want to do the back of the collar or not, but the front is almost complete! Then there will be a few things like hemming to do, and it will be ready to go!

>5<
Yesterday my sister went and bought a puppy. His is an Australian Shepherd/Corgi mix, and the fluffiest fluff you have ever seen. Georgie decided to name him Watson, and he has been the darling of the house since he got here. Honestly, life would be pretty dull without puppies!

What made you happy this week? Also, would you be interested in re-attempting a Pinterest Challenge? I'm thinking another one towards the end of the month would be a fun thing, yes?

Pinterest Challenge Giveaway Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:15:00 +0000

Here is the closure to the first Pinterest Challenge. Thanks to three wonderful sponsors, we now have three great winners!

Elisabeth G.

won the Summer Rose Vintage Ring.

Thyme Rose

won the Beige Stretch Lace Headband.

Jennifer

won her choice of a button badge from Kellie Falconer Design.

Thanks for participating in the giveaway everyone, and congratulations! Please email me with your mailing address, and for Jennifer, please let me know what your choice of a button badge is from Kellie Falconer Design's shop.

To Mimic the Greats...Be An Influential Writer

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:54:00 +0000

I'm learning something about writing lately. Mainly I'm learning it because of the British Literature class I've been taking. The class isn't geared toward writing, although I'm learning much about writing an essay, which is very helpful.

What I am learning though is that many of those fabulous authors that we still revere today are remembered because they wrote with a purpose. There was something that they wanted to discuss or point out to the world, and one of the best ways to do it was in story form.

Perhaps that was not the way the story began. Many times an author began a new novel simply to earn what money he could. Even so, they knew how to manipulate the plot in order to make it worth while for a person to read and that manipulation became a cause.

Below are some books that made a difference because of what they discuss. I have not read all of these books and so cannot recommend them all, but each one is significant (in many cases, world-wide!) for how it covered a current trend or event, or even how it took a stand for a particular belief.

Uncle Tom's Cabin is decidedly anti-slavery.
Little Dorrit points out the shortcomings of the government and social society, as well as showcasing imprisonment in various forms.
A Picture of Dorian Gray gives us a creepy view of morality, or rather, immorality and it's utter selfishness.
North and South contrasts an industrial northern England with an agricultural south, and represents a transitioning time from the old, traditional ways to the new, progressive approach that came with the industrial revolution.
Les Miserables explores redemption, and the characteristics of the law and of grace.

There are a few more contemporary novels that portray similar characteristics.

The Hunger Games also depicts the government and how controlling and dominating it can become.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich centers on oppression from authorities and prison camp survival.
To Kill a Mockingbird exposes the racist views that were still extremely prevalent at the time of it's writing. (And often still are.)
Cry, the Beloved Country showed the disintegration of a culture and way of life to native South Africans.

These books resonate with a truth that appeals to people. These books have made an impact and so have the people who penned them in the first place.

That got me to thinking. So much of what is being written nowadays is written purely for entertainment. Now there's nothing wrong with having a great adventure just for the sake of having an adventure, but the truly great books are the ones that show you something about life while you're having that adventure.

I mean really, do all of those vampire-stole-my-heart stories really have anything to offer us other than a chilling thrill and a hint of danger? No. Not even the junky, so-called "Christian" ones. (Honestly, if you're a Christian you should know better!) In my opinion the whole vampire thing is a fad and will fall away in it's turn in a similar manner to Furbys from the 90's. Granted Twilight will hang around and still be popular as the trendsetter of it's day, but there's nothing about those books that is really going to appeal to people for forever. They aren't important. It's the important ones that have made an impact.

As long as we are on this earth there is going to be a government that we are going to have to deal with. Oppression, redemption, and change are things that we will always be coping with.

So, the question I begin to ask myself is, will my writing be influential? Are my books pure entertainment? Granted I have a few "just for fun" books lying around for when I'm in a lazy mood, but if I'm really serious about my work, and if I'm really trying to do my absolute best, then making people think and react to my work is something that desperately needs to be considered.

This applies to any kind of writer out there, not just Christians. Fiction or nonfiction, fantasy or contemporary, sci-fi or historical. If you want to be like the Greats, then it's not just a matter of expanding your vocabulary (watch this video!) it's a matter of being influential.

It's the difference between fluff and something to really chew on. It's the difference between a kindergardener's schoolroom and the Library of Alexandria.

Pinterest Challenge ~ Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000

It's been a great week, at least for me. I can't say that the challenge was popular, although I was thrilled with my last entry! Thanks Thyme Rose!

Now, about that lack of entries, I am simply curious as I ask what you thought about the challenge, and what suggestions you would have that would have made it more likely that you would have participated? Was 5 days too much? Was there not enough time to be aware of it before the challenge started? What would be a good challenge for you in this area? Please feel free to answer these questions, and any others I may not have asked, in the comments of this post.

As for me, it was a lovely challenge as far as what I had to do. I generally thrive with a goal in mind, so knowing that I was going to complete one thing every day was perfect for me. Here's a collected list of my accomplishments this week:

I completed a 20 day exercise challenge on Monday.
Tuesday was marked by the creation of a hand-embroidered book mark.
On Wednesday I made a delightful addition to my wardrobe in the shape of a loop scarf.
A homemade duffle bag made Thursday my best day of the week, in terms of the challenge. I love that thing!
Finally, it was interested to test out a sugar scrub, even though I decided I wasn't crazy about it.

I did more than that even. I made this Low-Carb Cheesecake (wheat-free) that my Mom can eat (score!), as well as started on the Level One exercise challenge.

On to the giveaway!

Thankfully Rafflecopter makes giveaways super easy, so just check in with widget below in order to enter. Oh, I guess you probably do want to know what you might win, right? Of course right! (Matchmaker is now running through my head!)

From Blue Sun Emporium we have a beautiful Summer Rose Vintage Ring.

From Pleasant Places we have a Beige Stretch Lace Headband that is simply sweet.

Lastly, Kellie Falconer Design has kindly donated a button badge of the winner's choice from her shop. There is a great selection to choose from, so make sure you browse through them and pick the one you would want if you win it!

The giveaway will last for one week, at the end of which time three winners will be randomly chosen. Best wishes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

February Photo Challenge Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:31:00 +0000

Source: fatmumslim.com.au via Eyebright on Pinterest

I'm really excited about taking part in this photo a day challenge featured by Fat Mum Slim. I've never heard of her blog before, but I think that having a theme for each day makes a challenge like this so exciting!

Day 1 ~ Your View Today

We are excited about the new addition to our household, a lovely new pellet stove! No more bundling up in socks, gloves and sweaters when we gather in the living room. Now we have the cheery blaze of a fire, and the wonderful warmth that goes with it.

This is our view today. We keep looking up at it, admiring it's shiny black form, and standing in front of the blower that is kind enough to shed coziness all around. We're quite happy.

No marshmallow cooking by this fireplace, but cosy nonetheless!

“You don't have to shoot me," says the young lion. "I will be your rug and I will lie in front of your fireplace and I won't move a muscle and you can sit on me and toast all the marshmallows you want. I love marshmallows.”

~Shel Silverstein, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back

Black and White Sort of Day

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:08:00 +0000

A quiet day all to myself. A camera, a tripod, and a cute outfit. Perhaps the day was glowering from above, and the tiniest pieces of ash from a neighbor's fireplace came drifting down, imitating the subtle arrival of snow. As it was, the day was warm. Warmer than it has been in this generally warm winter.

Soft and warm chili cheese fries made a comfortable lunch, while I indulged my inner geek with a sci-fi TV show.

Little things called out to me, leaping in delight when I bent over to take notice of their simple and often overlooked beauty. Perhaps this withered plant may have been a weed, but even weeds can be beautiful and unique.

A colored shirt, as pretty as it was, seemed out of place in a black and white sort of day. Some days are just like that.

What I've been listening to:

A Little Fall of Rain ~ Les Miserables

What I've been reading:

Wives and Daughters ~ Elizabeth Gaskell

Ivanhoe ~ Sir Walter Scott

Pinterest Challenge ~ Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000

I would say that today's project was less than 100% satisfactory. I made a sugar scrub, for use on body or face, following a Ginger Honey Sugar Scrub recipe.

After I got out of my shower I still felt just a little greasy, and that's not the way I really like to feel at that point. Now I have no idea what the long-term effects may be (this evening, tomorrow, with frequent use?), so I can't judge it based on that. My only experience so far has been this morning. It may just need a little tweaking to fit me better, or perhaps I'm just not a body scrub type of person! Having one unsatisfactory project out of five isn't too bad, really!

However, it was fun to make, and it would be a great gift for women who like that sort of thing. So, on this fine, last day of the Pinterest Challenge, what have you decided to whip up? Just participating today will get you two extra entries in the giveaway tomorrow!

Pinterest Challenge ~ Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0000

I must admit that I was extremely excited about today's project. I've always admired cute luggage and bags, so it is always awfully unfortunate that they are so expensive! That's where the Duffle Tote Tutorial from Weekend Designer came in.

I was utterly amazed at how easily this all came together for me. I have had that beautiful upholstery fabric sitting around for several years, almost too afraid to touch it. When I was in the midst of a completely different project I was digging around in my sewing box I discovered the handles and the most perfect blue zipper amidst the jumble. "Put 'em together and what have you got? Bippity-boppity, bippity-boppity, bippity-boppity-boo!" Oh, sorry.

There was no part of the tutorial that was very difficult. Of course I didn't follow it 100%, since I didn't put any web strapping that you usually see on a 90's style duffle, but I'm rather content. It looks great and it's bigger than my last duffle bag.

Yes, there's a little selvedge showing there, but it gives it character, right?

So, what do you plan on making today? You have a hundred or more tutorials pinned on a board, just waiting to happen, so what are you messing about here for? Come back after you've created something, and share it with the rest of us. I can't wait to see it!

Pinterest Challenge ~ Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:04:00 +0000

Today really did dawn bright and fair, and it feels like a "get it done" kind of a day. My project was a quick and easy one, and I'm excited to share it with you!

I found this scarf on Pinterest and immediately followed the link to see if it was a tutorial. It was not, but it really looked easy enough to do at home anyway! It is based on the Loop Lace Cotton Jersey Tube Scarf.

What I did was take an old t-shirt (one that I had already ruined in another project), cut two long panels from it and sewed those together. Then I took three pieces of lace and sewed those together side by side. Finally, I gathered the edges of the t-shirt pieces and sewed it to the ends of the lace, to form a circle.

Of course, I can't be 100% sure yet of the various ways a person could wear such an accessory, but up or down, twisted or straight, it looks nice so far!

Have you decided to take part in the Pinterest Challenge? I would love it if you would link up your post so that everyone can see your projects. Not only that, but for every day you link up, you get the chance of an extra entry in the upcoming giveaway!

Pinterest Challenge ~ Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:04:00 +0000

Day two for me dawned dark and rainy, but the show must still go on! Or something to that effect. Anyway, I was super excited today to do a project that I've been eyeing in my pinboards for quite a while now. These Hand-Embroidered Felt Bookmarks are a fabulous gift idea, even to give a couple to yourself! I decided to wing it, basing my design off of Wild Olive's "Endurance" design.

It was fun to stitch, absolutely darling when embracing a nice thick book, and each and every one will be unique. What's not to love? I only had red felt, unfortunately, but it was still a fun project.

So, what did you create on this fine day? A stuffed animal? A crocheted set of coasters? A decorated bottle? Link up and let us see!

Pinterest Challenge ~ Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:40:00 +0000

Today's the first day! This is really exciting, isn't it? I know that I'm eager to see what will be accomplished this week. If you're new here and aren't sure what this is, please read Problems with Pintereset Part 2ish.

As for today, my contribution for the challenge is slightly different than what was probably expected. Thanks to Pinterest I discovered this workout plan and for the last twenty days I've been working hard in order to simply finish it. Well today was the last day.

All of those jumping jacks, crunches, and leg lifts have really motivated me to keep going! If you're at all interested in trying this workout for yourself, please check out the original site, Downtownn.tumblr.com.

It's been great fun, and I'm looking forward to attempting the Level One Exercise Plan.

So tomorrow I will definitely post something a little more on the crafty side, but now it's time for me to see the wonderful things that you have made today! I'm looking forward to reading all of your posts about your Pinterest Challenge adventures. Make sure to link back to this post so that visitors can see what it's all about!

Problems with Pinterest ~ Part 2ish

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 06:33:00 +0000

I really was going to come up with another post about the junky ideas that get spread around on Pinterest, continuing on the same lines of the "feel free to be you" stuff I posted about earlier. To be honest, I can't think of anything. Not that those selfish ideas aren't out there, but I haven't come across anything lately that seemed worth writing about.

I did, however, come up with an exciting idea!

I'm sure it's been done before, but I want to host a challenge on this blog, specifically geared for Pinterest.

We all procrastinate, not only in the real work we're supposed to be doing, but even in the exciting things that we pin! When was the last time you recreated an idea from Pinterest instead of just adding new ones!

Here is the challenge.

Every day during that week, make one project from any of your boards. As long as you do one project a day, it doesn't matter if it's food, home decor, toys, or clothes.

As an additional challenge, I will be posting a linky here everyday along with my own daily creation, so you can blog about your new project and join up here to show everyone what you've made!

Finally, to make this challenge really impossible to resist, not only because it's fun and appealing to get something done for once (just kidding, right?), I'm also hosting a giveaway. It will be open to everyone, not just those who participate in the challenge, but those who did attempt it will get extra entries!

You'll want to make sure you blog about it, or post about in some other manner. Anything like Flickr, Photobucket, or even Pinterest itself will work! Just post your picture and a description and you'll be good to go!

We'll start on Monday and go through Friday. I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to it! So here's a couple of buttons in different sizes to help spread the word.

Weekly Reads ~ Early January

noreply@blogger.com (Eyebright L) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:56:00 +0000

The beginning of this year has been pretty good so far. My family has leapt into the life we left of last year and we're going at it with pretty much all sails flying. I was especially touched by these posts that specifically talk about newness, determination, and faith. Why don't you take a look?

hello, lovely. would you like to be friends? Fabulous post on the purposelessness of striving for popularity in the blogging world, and deciding to be an Authentic Blogger.
New slate, anyone? Are we really wiping our slate clean and starting fresh in the new year, or are we building upon the foundations we've laid in previous years?
redefining