Clutter Diet Update

Guess what? I have barely worked on my clutter diet for the past two weeks. It has been hard to keep up with since Carl has been out of town. I really shouldn't use that as an excuse, but too bad. I am. I've done a few decluttering things here and there but I haven't been following the plan and I can tell. I've got to get back on the wagon, big time.

Master Closet Before

I did get around to taking some master closet photos. I just haven't done anything else to it since then. My wardrobe is in major need of an overhaul. Probably 1/3 of what you see here needs to be donated. It is either too big, too small, too short, or too ugly. I've got a few staple shirts and pants but even those are getting ratty. My favorite t-shirts all have holes in them. I've been wearing them anyway. I did buy some fabric for me to make a couple of new things. Now I just have to do it.

Clutter Diet Update

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/clutter-diet-update.html

Craftiness

I just wrote and deleted a post about my rotten day. I got it out of my system and I feel better. Instead I'd rather talk about the craft challenge.

Voting took place all week. There is a winner. I also picked a winner from the blog posts.

If you want to participate in February's challenge, you need to purchase your packet at my etsy shop TONIGHT! If you don't have an etsy account but would still like to participate, email me at christy AT christynelson DOT net. I can hook you up.

I've got most of the supplies gathered to send out and it's going to be a great month! You won't want to miss it.

Craftiness

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/craftiness.html

Happy Birthday Caleb!

Caleb turns six today. Because Carl is out of town, we celebrated his birthday on Monday night. I think Eva and I might go to school to have lunch with him today. Here are some pictures from the other night.

Caleb loved all his presents and had a great time eating pizza and cake! He is so happy to be six.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-birthday-caleb.html

Holy Cowl

I knit up this super toasty warm cowl and finished it yesterday. I used up the leftover (precious) Malabrigo (color-Taureg) from my Bird in Hand mittens.

Let me take this opportunity to sing the praises of cowls in general. Many of you know that I HATE to knit scarves. Sure, I've done it before and more than likely I'll do it again. Scarves just happen to be my least favorite thing to knit. It's not like they're difficult. I think that is one of their problems. By the time I'm halfway through it, I don't want to do it anymore. Then by the time I'm finished I'm so sick of it I don't ever want to see it again. Plus, I don't like wearing scarves much anyway. They get caught in things and get lost.

Enter: the cowl. These knit up super quickly. I made mine in simple stockinette but you can do pretty much any stitch combo you want. You can even make one that wraps around and add a spiffy button so you don't have to pull it over your head. Mine is long enough to pull up over my ears, mouth, and nose. It's not too bulky so if I scrunch it down around my neck, it is comfy. The yarn is soft and warm. I love it.

I'm knitting another cowl for my knitting school knit-a-long over at christynelson.net. If you wish to experience the joy of the cowl, head over there to learn how to make one yourself.

Beware: It has come to my attention that if you decrease the number of stitches in your cowl to make it fit a little more snugly around your neck, don't forget to increase again before casting off. This could prove to be very embarrassing when you go to put your cowl on and it won't go over your big head. If you frog back a few rows and then do some increases, it will be perfect and will go over your head--no problem!

Holy Cowl

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/holy-cowl.html

He's Just Not That Into You Soundtrack

It was a good mail day yesterday. I opened a package that contained my preview copy of the He's Just Not That Into You Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Also included is a box of promotional conversation hearts. I haven't decided if I'm going to open them or not.

The soundtrack will be released on February 3rd but you can pre-order it at Amazon.

This is my new favorite craft-a-long CD. With songs by Corinne Bailey Rae, Maroon 5, R.E.M., and The Replacements, it already looks a lot like my ultimate favorite playlist on my iPod. Throw in a couple of my favorite older songs, The Human League's "Don't You Want Me" and The Cure's "Friday I'm in Love", and you've got a seriously good mix of music. The last track, "Last Goodbye" is sung by Scarlett Johansson. It was a pleasant surprise and a good finish to a fun soundtrack.

New discovery: "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane. I don't know if I've heard this song before but I absolutely love it.

Caleb's favorite: "Love, Save the Empty" by Erin McCarley

Eva's favorite: "Fruit Machine" by The Ting Tings

If how much I love the soundtrack = how much I'll love the movie, I'll probably fork over the money to see it in the theaters. That, and I have a major girl crush on Drew Barrymore.

He's Just Not That Into You Soundtrack

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/hes-just-not-that-into-you-soundtrack.html

Yes YOU Can!

YOU can make a difference. Go and vote for your favorite at Christy's Craft Challenge. We've been waiting all month for this and it is finally here! If you signed up and haven't finished or submitted a picture yet, no worries. Get it to me ASAP and I'll include it in the voting.

What are you waiting for?????

Go and VOTE!

Yes YOU Can!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/yes-you-can.html

For the Family

If you haven't been going over to my other site, you've been missing out on great pics like these!

Not to mention you're missing out on all of my great craftiness!

For the Family

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-family.html

Why Blogging is Bad News for Husbands

I've come to the conclusion that blogging is bad news for husbands.

Exhibit A: Deb's husband sends her flowers.

Exhibit B: Wendy's husband went to ballroom dancing camp for her.

Exhibit C: Maren's husband made her birthday the best ever.

I was starting to think that I'm not appreciated and that Carl doesn't really love me.

Then I remembered our date last week.



Any man willing to paint a little bear, in public, and be videotaped for my blog (okay, I don't think he knew I would really post this) has got to be a keeper.

Why Blogging is Bad News for Husbands

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/why-blogging-is-bad-news-for-husbands.html

Do These Things (pretty please?)

1. Put my button on your blog. I've made it simple enough. Just copy and past the code below and put it on your sidebar. Would you mind?

2. Be awesome. I'm sure all of you are already doing this. It is just a friendly reminder.

3. Win something. You know how I have been winning lots of great prizes? Well, you can too. You just have to enter!

• Refibered is having giveaways all week.
  
• Picture My Camera is a great site about photography and they are having a contest. There are 2 prizes (worth over $250 total) and only 4 entrants so far. One of them is me so just because I'm telling you about this is me being awesome. Especially since I really want that external hard drive. Pay it forward, share the love, and what not. If you don't want to enter that one, you can still vote for me right?
  
• Don't forget about the Crafty Nation giveaways too.

4. Have you checked out christynelson.net lately? I've been working hard over there and I hope you like it. The January craft challenge is well under way and you can purchase February's challenge (only $5!) until Jan 30th.

5. Go to bed early. I'm not talking about 8pm early. Just early enough that your body will thank you in the morning. I'm shooting for 10:30pm this evening. I'm getting sent an organic pillow to review for my blog so sleeping has been on my mind.

Have anything you'd like me to do for you? Leave me a comment and I'll do my best.

Do These Things (pretty please?)

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/do-these-things-pretty-please.html

I'm Crafty

I think it has been mentioned before on this blog that I'm crafty.

Word is starting to get out because on Friday night I get to be a panelist at the sitewarming party for CraftyNation.

Get all the juicy details here. And, don't forget to enter the giveaways (click on the sitewarm link in the post about the panelists).

I'm Crafty

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/im-crafty.html

One More Thing

I forgot to blog about this yesterday.

We were going to the car and we heard a dog bark. Eva said, "That sounds like our dog!". I said, "We don't have a dog." In her best 3 year old way, she yelled back, "YES WE DO! In the backyard!".

There is a small chain link fence dividing our yard from our backyard neighbors. They have a dog that apparently Eva thinks is ours.

Good enough for me!

One More Thing

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-more-thing.html

Keeping Up

The kids are keeping me busy this week. Caleb didn't have school yesterday or today and Carl is in Long Beach for a conference. Yesterday the kids were pretty good. We spent most of the afternoon doing Lincoln Safari clues. Then, we watched a movie over at Mary's house. The only bad thing was the kids stayed up until 9pm. They just wouldn't go to sleep.

Now, it's almost noon and I was supposed to pick up Eva at 11:30am. That would have been no problem except Caleb was freaking out from 10am-11am so I put him to bed. As soon as he got under the covers and stopped screaming, he went right to sleep. After an emergency call in to Mary, she walked over with all the kids she was watching today (six of them!) to pick up Eva.

Now I find myself in a rare situation. Eva's at Mary's. Caleb is asleep. I dream about time like this all the time and now for the life of me, I can't decide what to do.

Keeping Up

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/keeping-up.html

Martin Luther King Day

Martin Luther King Day

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/martin-luther-king-day.html

Commercial Success

Commercial Success

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/commercial-success.html

Clutter Diet Pocket Dump

Last week I worked on my "pocket dump" area. This is my dresser in my master closet. It tends to collect all sorts of interesting things. I didn't take the "before" picture until after I had cleared off all the trash and dirty clothes that was on top. It wasn't pretty.

The main thing I wanted to accomplish was find a way to store my jewelry. My jewelry box was overflowing and not that great. I needed more room for necklaces and a way to find my earrings without scrounging around one little box for the mates.

Here was my jewelry solution:

I bought screw hooks for my necklaces. I got white vinyl covered ones (7/8", I believe). Carl drilled some holes and I screwed them in.

I really love how it turned out. I also got a clear craft bin to store my earrings. Eventually, I'd like to collect some cool little bowls to set out and place my jewelry in. But, for the time being, this is working well.

Did you notice I got my digital coin counter? My mom got it for me for Christmas and made me a happy girl. The horse bank was given to me by my grandma when I was little. I'm going to give it to Eva soon and make her a happy girl.

Clutter Diet Pocket Dump

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/clutter-diet-pocket-dump.html

Thanks for Voting!

Remember back in October I asked you all to pick out my next knitting project? I'm finished! All I can say is thank you. It was a great project and it turned out nicely, if I do say so myself.

Did you see over on christynelson.net that I'm starting "Knitting School"? Over the next few weeks I'll be going through all the basics you need to know in order to make this cowl.

Thanks for Voting!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/thanks-for-voting.html

Spotty Service

My internet connection has been a problem for me today. Carl worked some PhD mojo on the wireless router--something about rebooting--and it is back to normal, for now.

Speaking of spotty service, I spent an hour in Joann's today. I waited 20 minutes for them to cut 1 yard of fabric. When I got in line there was only one person in front of me. While I was waiting, I got my book out of my bag. I'm reading, The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs. He spent a year trying to follow the Bible as literally as possible. He also wrote, The Know it All (which I loved, too), where he chronicles his time reading through the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. They are both fun books to read and it made me not mind so much that I had to wait so long (and endure a lady cutting in front of me) for them to cut a single yard of fabric. If A.J. is reading this because he got the Google Alert, HI!

In the few minutes it too for me to type this, my internet connection dropped again. And again. So much for the rebooting. I'm going to publish this now while I have the chance.

Spotty Service

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/s.html

Fancy Pants

Yesterday I spent two hours shopping for a good jewelry box alternative. I think I found one but I'll blog about that another day.

When I was at WalMart, I went to the clearance Christmas section to see if there was anything fun I could get for future craft challenges or other projects. Instead, I found these pants.

They are the perfect lounge pant and marked down to $2.50. They also came with a gift box and a good size strand of ribbon. Bonus.

Oh, but there's more. They light up.

They have a lot of different styles available (also shirts and hoodies all for $2.00-$2.50). You know you want some.

I put them on last night and it was all I could do not to dance around the house a la Will Forte in this SNL Skit.

Fancy Pants

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/fancy-pants.html

So Sad

Eva has been really naughty today. Nothing I can do or say can make her happy.

I asked her, "Why are you so sad?"

She yelled, "I'm not sad! I'm CRANKY!"

Me too, little Miss, me too.

So Sad

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/so-sad.html

Clutter Diet Laundry Room

This was one of the items I was working on a few weeks ago but when I was sick I forgot to post about it.

My laundry room is in our bathroom. I usually fold the clothes on top of the dryer and *maybe* put them away. The cabinets above the dryer are hard for me to reach without a stool so I usually just chuck stuff in there and hope for the best.

My major problem area was on top of the dryer and I think I came up with a good solution. I like to keep the kids underpants in the laundry room because they use that bathroom in the morning. So, when they are done using the bathroom they can get their underwear without having to go all the way back downstairs to their rooms.

I decided to get a bin for each of them. The yellow bin is for socks or other stray items that are waiting for their match.

The kids like their bins and I like the fact that I'm "forced" to put the laundry away quickly because there is no space for it on the dryer anymore.

I also organized the cabinets. The upper shelf is full of light bulbs and stuff that Carl uses. On the lower shelf, I cleaned out the junk and organized the cleaning supplies. I can reach the items closest to the front so I made sure the ones I use all the time are placed there. Novel concept, I know.

You can read more about the Clutter Diet here.

Clutter Diet Laundry Room

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/clutter-diet-laundry-room.html

Making the Connection

Sometimes I have information in my brain that isn't connected or filed where it needs to be. This weekend one of those pieces of information found a home.

1. I knew that Angelina Jolie had been married to Jonny Lee Miller, a British actor.
2. I knew that Jonny Lee Miller played Eli Stone.

Duh moment.

Yesterday I realized that the Jonny Lee Miller that plays Eli Stone is the same Jonny Lee Miller that was married to Angelina Jolie. I think it was the American accent that threw me off. He does a great American accent.

I can't tell you how happy I am now that this information is where it needs to be and I can promptly forget about it until I have to kick your butt at some Pop Culture game.

Making the Connection

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/making-connection.html

Girls Weekend 2.0

This year I get to indulge in more than one Girls Weekend! My first one will be with Deb in Houston. We both won tickets to attend and will be living it up with all the Kirtsy girls and lots of fun bloggers at this swanky hotel attending the Mom 2.0 Summit.

I'm a little more than excited about this trip. Parties. Social Media. Door Prizes. Houston in February. Having fun with Deb. Meeting other blog obsessed people. Buying some new clothes. Parties.

If you want to join us...there is another contest going on. Here's what you have to do for a chance to win:

1. Take a pic that represents one of your resolutions.

2. Upload the pic to the Mom 2.0 Summit Flickr pool or email the pick to not00fair@photos.flickr.com

3. Tag the pic: "show M2S your resolutions"

4. Win!

You have until Jan 15th. You can enter as many times as you want with different resolutions.


Feeling lucky?

If you don't win and want to come anyway, we'd love to have a roommate or two. You can register here.

Girls Weekend 2.0

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/girls-weekend-20.html

Choke

What a bummer of a day. I'm still sick (better than yesterday, though) but I was hoping things would look up for this evening with the BIG GAME.

The game isn't quite over but it doesn't look good for my Sooners.

Here's to tomorrow.

Choke

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/choke.html

Dear Blog,

a haiku for you

I am very sick
of throwing up oranges
but no end in sight.

Dear Blog,

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/dear-blog.html

Stampin' UP! Retired Accessories Sale

Stampin' Up! is having a huge sale on select retired, retiring, and some other accessories. The sale runs Jan 5th through Jan 18th WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

You can order online here.

Items retiring from the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109190	180	On Board 9" x 9" clipboard	$7.95	$5.99
107925	181	On Board Bitty Book	$9.95	$6.99
105384	183	Mellow Moss 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$19.95	$14.99
105381	183	Real Red 6" x 6" Linen Post album	$19.95	$14.99
103977	187	Bold Bright buttons	$6.95	$4.99
104389	188	Double Circle punch	$5.95	$4.49
114447	n/a	Country Living Holiday Collection Stampin' Kit	$49.95	$24.98

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog

Retired items from the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
109013	163	Blue Bayou Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109012	163	Groovy Guava Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109011	163	Purely Pomegranate Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109010	163	River Rock Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109009	163	Soft Sky Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109014	163	Wild Wasabi Classic Stampin' Pad	$5.25	$3.99
109179	178	On Board Ginormous Pieces	$14.95	$10.99
109189	190	Beachfront Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$7.99
109187	190	District Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$7.99
109188	190	Fairy Tale Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.49
109185	190	Jersey Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.99
109184	190	Sherbet Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.99
109186	190	Theater Ribbon Originals	$12.95	$8.49
109062	191	River Rock double-stitched ribbon	$8.95	$6.49
110716	191	Wild Wasabi striped grosgrain ribbon	$7.95	$5.49

*Items available while supplies last; page numbers refer to the Spring-Summer 2008 Idea Book & Catalog

Current products appearing in the upcoming Spring-Summer 2009 Idea Book & Catalog:

Item	Page	Description	Regular Price	Discount Price
111349	162	Tangerine Tango 8-1/2" x 11" card stock	$5.50	$4.49
111345	162	In Color (2008-2009) 12" x 12" textured card stock	$11.95	$8.99
109110	185	Fire Circle Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
109112	185	Fire Square Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
109113	185	Ice Square Rhinestone brads	$10.95	$7.99
111325	185	Styled Silver Hodgepodge Hardware	$29.95	$22.49
112454	185	Styled Vanilla Hodgepodge Hardware	$29.95	$22.49
113451	n/a	20th Anniversary Embosslits die	$11.95	$9.49

*Quantities at reduced price are limited; page numbers refer to the Fall-Winter 2008 Idea Book & Catalog.

Stampin' UP! Retired Accessories Sale

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/stampin-up-retired-accessories-sale.html

Purple States

Did any of you notice that I didn't post on this blog yesterday? It was really hard for me not to do it but I'm probably the only person that is trying to blog less!

Today I've got a special video I did for a website called Purple States. It was really fun to do once I got over the fact that I shouldn't care that I'm not a size 8 anymore and my house is a mess.

So, if you don't mind seeing a video of me talking about the economy, food storage, and my crafting...head over there and watch it! There are a lot of videos posted from other states as well and will continue for the next few weeks.

Purple States

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/purple-states.html

Caleb's Latest Piano Video

I took this video tonight with my new Flip Mino. I can't get enough of that thing so you'll probably be subjected to a lot of videos on this blog. If you don't care about seeing videos of my family...I won't feel bad if you don't click it.

If you do click it, you'll be treated to the awesome piano stylings of 5 year old Caleb and his version of Joy to the World/Three Blind Mice. I'm pretty sure you won't be able to see this anywhere else (except YouTube and my living room). Enjoy. Or not.

Caleb's Latest Piano Video

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/calebs-latest-piano-video.html

Be a Little Better Without Even Knowing It!

I weighed myself just before Thanksgiving. I had been "off the wagon" for a week and wasn't expecting to get back on until after the holidays.

I weighed myself to assess the damage and get my baseline for the new year. I lost 9 pounds. Hmm. Same scale. Same time of day.

Guess I didn't eat as much Almond Roca as I thought!

Now I'm even more motivated to get this going again but probably not for the reason you may imagine. I figure that if I'm so big that I can't even notice a 9 lb. difference, I better get to work!

Be a Little Better Without Even Knowing It!

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/be-little-better-without-even-knowing.html

Be a Little Better in 2009

I resolve to be a little better in 2009. I already blogged about my resolution over at Family Eden. To me it feels less like a resolution and more like a personal statement. In all aspects of my life I can be a little better. Can't we all?

Today also marks the end of some big projects. I'm not holding myself to the picture a day requirement I had in 2008. I'm happy to hear that some of my blog readers will be doing it in 2009. I look forward to seeing those Project 365 posts! I've also been blogging daily for over 2 years. This one might be a little harder to give up but I'm going to try every once in a while to skip a day.

Just for fun: check out this post from Brenda about our trip to Norman.

Be a Little Better in 2009

http://craftyconservative.blogspot.com/2009/01/be-little-better-in-2009.html