What's This All About Anyway?

I mentioned in my first post that I was still determining what sorts of things I would feature on this blog. Well, I think I have it largely figured out. It's going to be a bit of a hodge-podge of things, so consider yourself forewarned. :)  At any point in time, this blog may feature:

• Pictures of and instructions for craft projects
• Pictures of and instructions for some of my favorite recipes
• Praise and laud for some of my favorite products and services (for which, unfortunately, I am receiving no compensation of any sort)
• Updates on my progress toward my 2012 goals, which will be posted soon
• Sharing my products and patterns as they are created
• Articles, thoughts, and insights on the joys and tribulations of parenting
• Reviews of and information about places and events in the Northeast Ohio area
• Sharing other great blogs I stumble upon
• Anything else that strikes my fancy

Sound good? Still on board with me? Good. I hope that you'll join in the conversation, ask me questions, and give me challenges. Talk to you again soon!

Hello, 2012! Get ready for a great year!

Hello, 2012! And hello, blogging world! I've created this blog because, during a sleepless night recently, I resolved that 2012 is going to be the year I stop talking myself out of things. You see, I just had my second child and my life is not what I envisioned it would be at this stage of my life.

Don't get me wrong, my life is great. I have a my health and my family's health, a loving husband, two great kids, and a job that I enjoy most of the time. But I want to be a stay-at-home-mom (at least part-time) and I've long been suppressing my creative side.

Earlier this week, after my son's 2:00 a.m. feeding, I couldn't get back to sleep. I mean, I REALLY couldn't get back to sleep. My mind wouldn't stop and I was awake for the next six hours with all these varied and lofty and creative ideas swirling in my mind. In the past, I'd think to myself "That would be cool" and then go to sleep and never do anything with or about my ideas.

But something was different this time. I found myself writing my ideas down, and one idea would lead to two more. First an idea for an e-book, then an idea for a sewing project to create, then an idea for three cross-stitch patterns. Then an idea for an etsy store name. This was so unlike me, but I found myself feeling excited about the possibilities of finally saying "YES!" to the ideas that I have and doing all I can to make them a reality.

With that introduction, you're probably asking, "Okay, great, but what's this blog going to be about?" To be honest, I haven't completely decided yet. I know I'll be sharing ideas as they come to me, and I'll be blogging about my goals and steps I'm taking to reach them. I'll probably also seek advice from time to time. And, maybe, if I'm really blessed and lucky, I'll inspire someone else to stop talking themselves out of pursuing the things in life that truly engage and excite them.

I'm resolved to make 2012 my best year ever! Who's with me?