YAPPING CAT STUDIO

Gearing Up for the Big BRRRRRRRR

Yep.  Once again we Texans are gearing up for nasty, Winter weather.  Something we really don't get to much of.  But with sleet in the forcast, temps in the teens and wind chills at below zero, this is one gal that is brrrrrrracing for the worse.

So, the possibility of the next few days being iced in looms large. 

But if I am truthful, that idea does not dissappoint.  Actually, it sounds really  good.  Cups of hot tea, a chance to play (and finish cleaning in the Studio) and to catch up sound delightful.  Can I get some painting done?  Naps with kitties?  Final decisions on Paper Cowgirl submissions?  Ohhhhhh, the possibilities!   

I'm trying to get a new series of goodies ready for my Etsy.  And while shooting conditions might be tough, hopefully it can be done.  I'm thinking cream, or fleurette.  Perhaps "the cat will get the cream". 

 
But back to the looming ice age, the only downfall to my evil plan is this...if Sweet Hub can't make the 55 mile trek to the other side of the world to go to work, he will be here.  And if that happens, I will have no computer time.  But then again, maybe that is a good thing as well.

And speaking of Sweet Hub, the "icing on the cake" would be that I could play with this adorably, sweet Valentine kit that I got from EvaLiscious.  Can't wait to place with this and put my own stamp on it.  Literally.

She does the basics for you, putting the pages together, having them sewn and ready.  Even putting all the tidbits and lovelies together...all you have to do is play.  I'm really looking forward to it.  Hey, "Ice Day 2011" is looking better and better. 

Well, I guess we shall wait and see!  Here's hoping where ever you are, you are warm as toast!

-c

 

Play time

Thank you all for the encouraging and kind comments that you left this weekend, it really meant allot to me.  I generally keep everything close to the vest when it comes to the blog, so it was kind of a stretch for me to post something so personal.  So, thank you for your wonderful words. 

I was just playing around today in the newly cleaned Studio.  Its not perfectly clean, but at least I can walk in now.  And the desk top has resurfaced once more.

Dumped some different items onto the table and just begin to push this and that together.  A warm up exercise. 

 
Playing with some neutrals and some soft colors.  A little mix of vintage, new and coffee dyed.

LOVE that wee Frozen Charlotte.  Found her on Etsy. And photo effect from Picnik.  Love them.

Tag!  Before Coffee Bath.

After.  Kinda dulled things down a bit.

So, maybe, just maybe, I'll actually get some artsy crafty stuff done this week.  One can only hope! 

-c

Before and After....of Me

I mentioned a few posts ago, that one of the things that I was proudest of, for 2010, was my weight loss.  For those that have not seen me in awhile, here's a peek.

BEFORE:

Here's me at Paper Cowgirl in June.  (This was a great pic by the way...taken by the photographer over at Waxahachie NOW magazine, I'm sorry I can't find her name). 

AFTER:

 

And me now.  A little thinner. 

And while I still have "a weigh" to go (sorry, couldn't help it), I'm pretty happy with the progress I've made.  Mainly, because I was able to get off of my Diabetes meds.  Seems that they, along with other medications, were just being bumped up, up and up.  Painful tingling and numbness were really beginning to be a problem for my hands and my feet in particular. Diabetes runs rampant in our family and one of my Grand's had to have her foot amputated.  I was getting a bit scared. 

Shortly after Paper Cowgirl, I started a program called Take Shape for Life.  The program is based on Dr. Anderson's plan of five small meals a day, and then a sixth "Lean and Green" meal.  Take Shape for Life utilizes the Medifast program to help you slim down quickly, all the while teaching you new eating habits.  Soy based meals and eating frequently keeps your blood sugar level.  Level sugar means no drops and spikes and no hunger.  I LOVE IT.  So much so that I decided to become a Health Coach. 

I'm learning to eat more nutritiously, healthier.  As I said, I've still got a bit more to go and I need to really get a exercise/strength program going, but overall, its made a huge difference in my energy level and of course, how I feel. And not just physcially.  Mentally.  My whole thinking process of food and eating is changing, evoling.  Its just made a huge difference in my life.    

Between the short, red hair and the weight loss, several people have not recognized me, which is kinda fun.  I was downtown and a friend of mine saw me kiss my Dad bye.  I waved to her and she just had the funniest look on her face.  When she didn't acknowledge me, I walked across the street and said hey.  She kinda laughed and said she did not know WHO was kissing my Daddy and it had taken her back for a moment.  LOL.  I got a big kick outta the whole thing.  My Dad really did...I guess his street cred went up like a 1000 points or something. 

I guess you can say Red has become my signature color.  And now, I kick up these red heels just a little bit higher these days.  And hopefully even higher to come.  And at this years Paper Cowgirl, you'll see me around alot more, but maybe just a little less of me.   

-c

PS if you want to learn more about Take Shape for Life...just ask or email me...most days I can't shut up talking about it.  I'm glad to tell you more.

 

Screams of Horror

For those that have asked how come I am not creating...feast your eyes upon this bit of scariness:

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww! 

Hey!  Isn't there a desk under there somewhere? 

I think the desktop is a mash of Halloween, Christmas and who knows what else.  Never finished my Bingo/star project.  Angie's Fairy fell on top of it...kinda looks cute together.

I need to list these and five jillion other things on my Etsy.

And this coffee dyed ribbon too.  Gah.

Got this great Valentine packet from Lisa's Etsy!  Have not even opened it good yet.  And I also ordered a journal from this gals shop!  But at the rate I'm going, Vally Tine's might be over before I get anything done.  And speaking of love...LOVE this!  Love the whole line!  And scroll down and look that that adorable drawer box she made.  Tooooo cute!

But for now...back to ugly.  ugh. 

OK.  Even though I have a slight stomach bug...I think I can hopefully make a little headway on this horrible room.  Hold my feet to the fire on it, will ya?

-c

 

Monday Pretties too!

Monday, Monday.....and here it is dreary (again) and grey (again) and damp (again).  Having always considered myself a girl that LOVED that kinda day, imagine my surprise this morning when I found myself craving some sunshine!  

And I found it!  Susan at Hometown Girl posted about Monday Pretties!  It cheered me up greatly.  So, I figured I would follow suite and jump on her bandwagon and drag along too.  So here is my version of Monday Pretties!

Found a new blog that I absolutely ADORE!  Bluebird Papercraft!  Elizabeth is like a whiff or fresh roses on a cloudy day, with a cup of hot tea AND a really good piece of chocolate to boot! 

Look at that Valentine...is that not the cutest?  Elizabeth not only shows you what she is making, she gives you detailed instructions and diagrams so that you can do it too!  She is quite talented and of course, she had me at the red and cherries!  Go check out her blog and just smile.

MaryJanesFarm mag, the Feb-March 2011 issue. 

 

I knew this one was good, when I rounded the corner at B/N and Sweet Hub had a copy of one in his hand as well!  :)

 
There are several great pieces on paper crafts , as well, as that sweet wee house (that every one has had on their blog), as well as many other great articles.

LOVED this tag page! 

Well, here is hoping that you find inspiration in your little neck of the woods.  Happy Monday.

-c

 

 

Better Blogger?

Not me.  I'm failing that resolution already.

It was my intention to get back to posting, as least a few times a week.  But, already, its not happening.  And I did have the best of intentions.  Sweet Hub had last Monday off and since I did not get to do anything fun at Christmas, he took me over to McKiney to shop a little and to eat lunch.  And of course, my camera battery was almost dead when we got there. 

I did manage to get one shot, this one of the chair in the bathroom at Patina Green.  But that was it.  I love this chair...so wonderfully "ratty".  And we had the best soup (Kale with Cheese Curds) and salad.  Love that store.  The rest of the week was spent moving things all around the store where I work.  I'll have to try and get some pics to show you.

Our Monday tomorrow might just be more of this:

Brrrrrr!  Too much cold even for me!  And I like cold.  But its not supposed to get out of the 30's for the next several days.  Fun.  NOT. 

But on the bright side, being trapped indoors...I might actually get some crafting done.  Hey then I could actually post more often.  Hmmm, could be an interesting concept.

Till then...stay warm!

-c

 PS  Just a shout out for my friend Ruthe!  Keepin ya in prayer darlin!  Hoping all goes well on Wednesday!  Love ya.