I’m Feeling Inspired – There’s a Chill in the Air

This year has flown by, and the weather is finally catching up. It’s been in the low 40’s and high 30’s at night lately. I’m loving every sweater wearing second of it. I just wish it had felt like Autumn longer, it’s my favorite season. Until last week it’s been in the 90-100’s. Great for summer, but 95 degrees in November? REALLY?

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Fun Fact – I’ve actually visited this waterfall in Oregon. Me and some coworkers visited during a work trip and totally miscalculated how long it would take to reach the top. We ended up climbing back down in complete darkness, our path lighted by the screen of our cell phones.

Good Times!

I’m Feeling Inspired: Unique Lighting

I’m sorry I disappeared on everyone recently, life has been out of control. Between trying to write the eBook, launch the Etsy store, keep up with the day job, and prepare for the upcoming half marathon (2 weeks!)…I’ve been losing my mind a bit. There was an unfortunate incident with an invasion of ants this past week that ruined 3 batches of fruit butter, and destroyed all the fresh fruit I had out for the next few batches. Needless to say my house, and life, is a mess right now, but it’ll pass. I already have 20 items created for the Etsy store and I can’t wait to share these things in the coming month.

I’ve also started thinking about the holiday and some fun projects. I’ve been really inspired by rustic finishes lately and I’m thinking of creating some sort of ornament chandelier for over the dining table for the holiday. This first pic is what made me think of the ornament chandelier. Has anyone ever used ornaments in a unique way in past, I’d love to see what you did.

This is short and sweet today, but I’ll be back tomorrow with the September Mental Dumbbells post. Also, as many of reminded me, I promised a Pumpkin butter recipe. It will be up soon as well.

A little lighting inspiration.

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I’m Feeling Inspired: Surfin’ Summer

While the weather might not be cooperating yet, it’s finally time to bid this summer adieu. While I’m not a surfer (yet), I did grow up near the beach. Sand and water equals home to me no matter where I live. So here’s a a little inspiration of a fading summer.

 

What was the best part of your summer?

 

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Ok, who’s ready for the change of leaves and a pumpkin latte…

…perhaps a good book and a cozy sweater?

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I’m Feeling Inspired – Back To School Photos

When I was little we took a picture every school year out by a tree near our garage. They were simple but cute, and are a great memory. I plan to do something similar once I have kids since it’s so great to have a yearly photo journal as the little ones grow up. These days, parents are getting fancy, and I’ve seen some adorable (and clever) photos around Pinterest for back to school.

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Did you take pictures every year? Do you have anything fun planned for your kids this year?

 

Here are some of my favorites…

 

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I’m Feeling Inspired – Olympics

Is there really anyone that doesn’t enjoy the Olympics?  I can’t wait to watch the events. Not only does it bring a country together (even if only for a few weeks), but its also a great motivator to get off my lazy butt and do something. For some reason, I can’t bring myself to watch the competitions while snacking on a bag of Doritos, but maybe that’s just me. Most of the time I’ll catch up on that days event while on the treadmill.

 

Fun Fact: Did you know that Tug-A-War was an Olympic event in the 1908 London Summer Games? True Story.

 

Here’s a little Olympic inspiration. Hope everyone is having  a great Sunday!

 

Amazing Paralympics Graphic

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I kind of want to frame this…

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I’m Feeling Inspired – Vacation

I’m not sure I’m going to be able to take a real (longer than a weekend) vacation until November, so lately I’ve been daydreaming of tropical beaches and fruity drinks. Even if I can’t actually make it somewhere relaxing this summer, at least I can dream about it.

Does anyone have any fun trips planned this year? Any tropical voyages or European escapades in the works?

 

Source: westerneye.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: hautemamasfaves.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: adelto.co.uk via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: flickr.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: garden-artistry.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: oraclefox.blogspot.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: staybeautiful213.tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: tumblr.com via Addison on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m Feeling Inspired – Down A Size

So first off, I have to say…WOW. Last month was one of the biggest on the blog and I posted a whopping 5 times. Which makes me wonder if you’re trying to tell me something. That, or June was just a huge month for Golf Cakes and Apple Butter. I never thought those would be the most popular posts on CMD.

I’m also doing something a little different with this week’s inspiration post (just pretend there wasn’t a month long gap since the last one). I realized I haven’t given you a proper update on the weight loss journey lately.

[I could not get the smears off the mirror, sorry]

 

My ‘fat’ jeans are in the donation box!

[Holy crap, did I just post a picture of my ass on the internet?]

 

YES. I. DID.

 

Thing have been going great on the weight loss journey, I’m down 28 lbs and a full jean size. I’m also starting week 7 of the C25K and have gone from struggling through a 90 second jog to finishing 20 minutes straight. Now instead of reaching for food when I get stressed at work, I find myself looking forward to my workout. Who thought that would happen? I still have a long way to go, but I’m smiling again.

In all honesty, I hate these types of posts, because I don’t like tooting my own horn. But I’m trying to learn that sometimes it perfectly healthy and justified to pat yourself on the back and share the good news. Especially justified since this blog is supposed to be all about my journey to changing my destiny, right? Well, I see progress.

So here’s to sharing the great news all over the internet!

…especially since my dog just doesn’t get it when I dance around the bedroom in my now smaller jeans.

I’m Feeling Inspired – Hello Summer

Let’s face it, Memorial day weekend  is when most people feel like Summer has finally hit. The BBQs, the beach days, the warmer weather…so nice. I hope you all are having an excellent holiday and enjoying nice weather with friends and family wherever you may be.

 

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Eco Inspiration– Reusing a Light bulb

This will be the first Eco post that I have not done myself. Part of me is disappointed, but since I’ve transitioned most of my light bulbs to CFLs, I can’t do this until the last few standard bulbs burn out. However, I found them unique enough that I wanted to share them with you.

 

Aside from the below, I found a few other ideas out there, but couldn’t verify the sources so I didn’t include them. In particular how to turn a light bulb into a oil lantern and I saw several pictures of people who connect wire to the top and hung them from a tree. I really liked the idea of hanging them, since you could fill them with anything (i.e. ribbon, glitter, confetti, crumbled up colored cellophane…even crumbled newsprint/books pages could look very cool.)

 

Here is a good resource on how to hollow out the light bulb.

DIY: Hollow Out A Light Bulb via TeamDroid

…and some of my favorite uses for the leftover bulb…

 

The use of frame bumpers to create feet for the bulb is genius and so simple.

Via the Hipster Home

 

Lovely Valentine idea.

Via Design Sponge

Bud Vase

By Ready Made via Apartment Therapy

 

This one isn’t a light bulb, it was made out of an ornament, but the idea could potentially work using the bulb.  The concept is too pretty not to include.

Via Wednesday Custom Design

 

Love this one so much! I have two standard bulbs left in my house and one of them is turning into a bud vase like theirs. So beautiful.

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Have you reused a light bulb? If so, how?

I’m Feeling Inspired – Back To School

I started school again last week which has been both a challenge (given the day job) and so much fun (to be doing something I love). It has also brought back all those old memories. I used to love the start of school. The anticipation of what could be, the school shopping, etc. I may be a nerd, but I always loved cracking open a new notebook and taking notes. The joy always wore off after the first week or so, but I loved the start…EVERY time.

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Very cool use of rulers! I’m thinking this would be a great use of vintage rulers you can find at flea markets.

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