A Coffee Addict's Life

What's For Lunch

2009-07-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

According to Wikipedia,

Bentō (弁当) is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine. A traditional bento consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables as a side dish.

However, in my own words, I would say it is simply a cute, packed lunch, usually in an even cuter container.

Like this one above, for example.

I really enjoy looking at these, and definitely want to try making a few of my own. Hopefully I will be able to find some bento-looking boxes around here, and some sites that offer tips.
Has anyone ever tried making these?

Peace,
Erin

Summertime.

2009-07-05T20:26:00.000-07:00

Just one week ago, I bought my first sewing machine! I've been so excited, I've stayed up pretty much every night just sewing random things.

One that I am most proud of, is my new bandanna skirt. It is inspired by one from Deviantart.com

Here are the bandannas I bought- all of this only cost $8 (one bandanna being $1)

Tadah! Finito!

So I have more things, but no more pictures. But I am still alive and in the crafty mood! Soon there will be more posts - as soon as I stop working from 1 until 11 that is. :]

peace,
Erin

No Better Time Than Now

2009-04-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Alright! So last week was fun...not. I gashed my hand open with a carving tool in art class and had to leave to get stitches. But, it was a new thing added to my life experiences. ^.^

What my hand looks like after a week

Anyway, on to the health goals! Currently 129 and my goal is about 120. I will start running as soon as my hand stops hurting the heck out of me.

But enough of that, I have some crafty stuff to post! This week, the day before the stitches, I made my own apron! I had basically cut class and had a few hours to spare, therefore, an apron was born. It's pretty much the first project I've ever done completely by myself, since my grandmother was at work. But I haven't been able to get a good picture yet, so I will instead post a pair of recently made earrings and a shrinky dink necklace.

Earrings, charms founds at Wal-Mart
Owl Shrinky Dink necklace. I love shrinky dinks.

That is really all for now, hopefully after school ends and I have less homework (currently writing a ten-page essay due tomorrow) there will be more posts!

peace
E

Spring Has Sprung

2009-04-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

The days are longer, the sunshine brighter, and school is almost over. What could be a better time to start something new, or work harder at an old task?
I have finally went to the store and bought new jewelry making supplies - which means I now have new products!! However, they will not be posted until at least Sunday. As of right now, we are away from home (currently at the Great Wolf Lodge in North Carolina), and without USB cords. But, rest assured, I have many new things to show!

I would also like to take the time to showcase a topic I read today on Craftster.org: Watercolor Stencil Portrait

This project is just absolutely beautiful, and I believe I may use this technique for my next GT Art series.

Furthermore, I am also going to get in shape for the summer. No kidding. So I am going to work out this weekend and on Sunday will be my first "statistics" day. That will include my weight and such, and then I will continuously update with my "stats". But never fear, that will only be a small little spot on this blog, as I would still like to dedicate this space to crafts and posts that are motivational and such.

I hope all is well and that everyone is enjoying their spring!!
Peace,
E

Accomplishment

2009-01-14T16:09:00.001-08:00

Despite the good start to last week- that same night I came down with something viral. I was out of school for the rest of the week, which in turn ruined my first week running plan.

But, this week gave me new hope! We started the program on Monday, and have done quite well so far. Monday was an easy 2 mile run. Tuesday was a rest day. Today was our long distance day, which was 4 miles. Tomorrow is our harder, speed workout. Friday is our fun run- this is going to consist of running haphazardly on railroad tracks in celebration of completing the week!

Getting back into running has definitely boosted my mood and helps me organize my time better. I managed to get all of my classes' homework done last night. This consisted of studying for a Biology test, writing two AP essays, and finishing some math corrections. Today has been quite an accomplishment.

As for the crafts, with running back into swing, I haven't been able to spend as much time as I'd like on making things. Although, tomorrow is my "art critique" so hopefully I'll get some good responses. This critique is based upon my chocolate series, and as soon as I can, I shall try and take some pictures.

Until then, happy crafting!
Peace,
Erin

Good Morning!

2009-01-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

Today was the first day of my new exercise program, and the first day back at school from our 2-week holiday break.

This morning I woke up at about 6 am (after hitting the snooze from 5:30). I grabbed my hoodie, Ipod shuffle, sneakers, and a water bottle. I then hit the treadmill for a 1 mile run. This was at a fairly slow pace of 10 minutes for a mile. After stretching and continuing with my normal morning routine I finally made it to school (on time!).

At this point I was feeling great. The early exercise had me excited, and feeling confident. Not to mention my amazing playlist that I used while running and in the car. This consisted of upbeat music and tunes that made me feel kick-butt.

All of this made me happy and helped me with my resolution of "being nice". It is so much easier to be nice to people with you are feeling good yourself. Which in turn, makes you feel even better knowing that you are being nice to others.
Later on today, my friend Amanda and I are going on another 10 minute run after school. This will conclude my first day of my "new life" (aka my life incorporated with my resolutions).
I am feeling rather optimistic about all of the changes I will hopefully implement into my daily life from now on.
Therefore, this "experiment" has been successfull. Simply, exercising in the morning gets me going and I know that if nothing else goes right later on that day, then atleast that will be a success. I would highly reccomend it.

Today's Playlist:
1. Supermassive Black Hole - Muse
2. Tremble For My Beloved- Collective Soul

(click on the songs in the playlist to go to another site to listen to them)

Hopefully making some new projects,
Happy crafting!

Peace,
Erin

2009

2009-01-04T07:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to a new year!

I hope everyone had a good Holiday break. Our school had a 2-week break. I spent the first week with friends, mainly goofing off. The 2nd week I spent in Columbia/Gaston with my grandparents and Aunt and Uncle. It was a good bit of fun- albeit a little stressful due to the fact that I have procrastinated once more about my school work.

Of course, with a new year starting, everyone has their resolutions that they have thought about. I have come up with a few, and I had to list them by importance (1 being top priority, 10 being least important). By doing this, I hope to encourage myself more. For example, if I do not complete or get anywhere with 5-10, I am not going to be torn up about it.

My New Year's Resolutions:

1. Focus on School Work
2. Get back on an exercise program *
3. Be nice to others, stop negativity
4. Start and continue saving money- whether it be in jars or otherwise
5. Use less lights and electricity - and way less heat.
6. Become more informed about colleges, scholarships, payments, apartments, ect
7. Lose 5 lbs before Summer (May)
8. No soda- diet is okay in moderation)
9. Try to hang out with friends more often
10. Draw and Paint more

* - As of Monday, January 5, I am on an exercise program with a friend. I have developed a calender with all of our workouts and such. If you would like for this to be shared, just leave a comment! Or if you would like join us!

Don't forget to leave your own resolutions in the comment sections, having other people support you is a surefire way to succeed!

For Christmas I received a Dremel drill, so I have been happily drilling away in my dungeon (aka bedroom). Expect new crafts and such. I also actually moved into my bedroom not too long ago. I had previously been sleeping on the couch in my grandparents livingroom. It is currently a mess from the holidays, but as soon as I get it cleaned up (today) I shall post some pictures of it's new found beauty.
With my drill, I have been able to make holes in objects to make jewelry and such on my own. This is one project that I have completed- a hand-painted bottle cap.

(Click for a larger image)

It is on a silk cord and flattened to help avoid any sharp edges. It is coated with clear varnish and had held up against the weather so far! If you would like any more information on painting bottle caps, feel free to ask or even if you would like a custom one.

Have a wonderful day!
Happy Crafting!

Peace,
Erin

There Comes A Time

2008-12-05T19:24:00.000-08:00

I have honestly been inspired to change my lifestyle. My AP English teacher assigned us to read "Into The Wild". I have quite literally come to love the story and almost all of the lessons and theories that can develop from Chris McCandless's (main character). Chris was an inspiration. He took life as it came. He followed his dreams, and would not let anyone sway him. He had strong moral convictions and wanted society to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Therefore, as a beginning, I'd just like to recommend this novel, along with it's accompanying film...which for once, is just as good as the book.

With this, I have also began an attempt for a healthier life. I recorded all that I ate, drank, and did for fitness for one week. I am now going one step at a time (hopefully), so that I will not become over-stressed with something if I fail to do it. I am going to encourage all of you to join me if you wish.

Starting this weekend, I will adopt a change inspired by Henry David Thoreau. He said:

"An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day. "

With this in mind, I am going to try and get up every morning, and have a light jog or walk. This is my new goal.

Now on to the crafts!
I have made a pair of earrings for my grandmother, and I find them to look quite nice actually.

(Click for larger image)

Other than that, I am now working on completing a new painting series: The Sweet Life. It basically consists of paintings of several chocolates, one which I actually made myself. It represents my job at the ice cream shop. I am quite excited about it- although nervous that I will not finish by the deadline.

Hope all is well,
Have fun crafting!

Peace,
Erin

Take It Easy

2008-11-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Halloween has come and passed, and still hardly any crafts. I sincerely apologize. BUT, I did make my Halloween costume! My grandmother is currently in Italy, and so this was the first time using the sewing machine and fabric and patterns without any help at all. I feel quite accomplished. Sadly, no pictures. I will have to try it on and take some shots later.

Anyway, my group of friends and I are making it a goal to go hiking every weekend. At least one time. So far, 3 weekends. I feel really cool (I'm such a nerd) going out into the woods and spending time with them in the middle of nowhere, just walking and taking the time to be out in nature. I love it. For me, it relieves some stress. I don't think about school work when I'm out hiking. I don't worry about home-related issues, or anything else...it's just peaceful. Plus, we're thinking that if we keep this up, for senior trip- APPALACHIAN TRAIL, WOO! I can't wait. Also, because of that, we are going to start saving up some money now.

So just as a mini-post, here are some pictures from our most recent hiking excursions!

Amanda, Lina, Hane, Eryn, Joe (We are such ragamuffins)
On the Cherry Hill- Winding Stairs trail.

More to come soon!
Peace,
E

In The Way of Deadlines

2008-10-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Of course, I have been on the procrastination war-path lately. For example, waking at 3 am to begin (and finish) AP History essays. Not to mention running everyday, working, and trying to do all of my homework, and just trying to stay awake during class. Oh, the joys of high school. But, enough of that.

This week I have been rather happy with my running times. Just last week, at Tamassee (a VERY difficult course), I ran it in 23:44, beating my P.R. of last year on our easiest course. I really have liked this year, and I'm going to try and gather some of our team throughout the winter, and get them to stay in shape with me. WOO! Hopefully joining FIKE gym soon.

Only 7 or so days until the first 9 weeks period ends, and report cards go out. I am so close to an A in a few classes (a 92!!), it is frustrating. The biggest worry is in Art.

Each 9 weeks, we have to have a theme. Then we need three pieces that represent that theme. My theme this time was 'John Lennon'. So I made an acrylic of his face- which didn't really work, and I didn't like it at all. THEN, I pretty much changed my theme about a week ago. Not completely, but I am now doing three watercolor pieces that are based upon "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds". So here are two of them; the first is completed, the second is not.

This is the "Picture yourself in a boat on a river" stanza

This is the "cellophane flowers of yellow and green" part

So that is what I have been working on really, and I need to finish the second one, and now complete a third one by Friday.

Soon I will be trying to get more into "crafting" again, but for now I'm taking it one thing at a time.

Have fun crafting!
Peace,
E

All is Good in Moderation

2008-09-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday before work, Amanda and I went scrounging around Walhalla. I showed her the Auction/Antique Market house, and The Old Trading Post. It was pretty cool looking at all sorts of old items. I've been in need of a new coffee cup lately. I got an amazing Cheshire Cat mug when we went to Disney last year, but my grandfather broke it on accident. So anyway, as we were looking around at all that old stuff, I found a new mug for myself! I absolutely adore it, it is my favorite color, and it has some pretty sweet Owls on it. Plus, it was only 4 bucks.

Also yesterday, I wrote my AP US History essay. I am not as stressed as I was now because of that. I still have like 30 multiple choice questions, and Biology 2 homework and another essay for AP English, but it's okay.
I ran close to 2 miles earlier today, but it was super hard for some reason. I think it was because I was alone, and I haven't ran since Thursday. But I'm glad I did it anyway; every little bit counts! Tomorrow I will not be at practice, because I have an Ear, Nose, Throat appointment in Easley. Fun stuff. I wish my nose was normal.
I have to go in to work at 2, so there is not much more I can write about that will be worth while. BUT, I have started making a "Twilight" bracelet. I finally found one of those diamond-looking hearts, so I can now use those little wolf charms I bought at the beginning of summer. I promise to update once I finish it, which should be later tonight.
Until then, have fun crafting!

Peace,
Erin

A Hippie's Life Is The Life For Me

2008-08-31T08:52:00.000-07:00

Today I have ventured into the kitchen realm! While watching Les Choristes, I made some amazing cupcakes. I got the idea from this site: Rainbow Cupcakes
I edited a good bit of the recipe though, seeing as it is obviously not written for an American-based oven and such. Also, I used different cake batter and icing and food coloring. All the same- they came out fantastic. I used my icing to put "peace-signs" on the cakes. They also taste great by the way. ;]

The Beginning: The mess I created.

The Tops of the cupcakes without icing.

Beginning of the decorations- "experimentation phase"

The delicious inside- well half of the inside. :]

Also today, I finished Hane's mushroom. He requested a blue shroom with his tongue sticking out. I believe I did a decent job.

That is it for today,
Happy Crafting!

-E

21.

2008-08-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

I have had a hard time trying to balance work and sports, and school projects. Now, though, I believe I have it straightened out. Last night I did not have work or anything, and I just finished my book project, so I figured I would try to do something fun. Therefore, I went searching the fabulous Youtube, and found videos to learn how to crochet. I practiced my chains, and single crochet until around 1 am. Then, this morning, I got up and tried to tackle crochet a flower. Which I did, to my own amazement. It is certainly not the best, and I believe that next time I will leave off the back set of chains. I figure considering that I learned how to crochet within 2 hours I did an alright job. I tried to iron it...I don't think I will try that again.

Edit: Here is my second try, with a different type of yarn that I found, and without the back chains.

Also last night, I made another scrabble tile necklace. My friend's father wants us to sell the stuff I make at Clemson football games; I don't really want to, but I guess it could be fun! Anyway, he wanted a sample of something, so I made a tile with a tiger on it (since we can't use the tiger paw). Thought it was rather neat.

Last night I had the pleasure of renting a movie from those "dvd express" boxes at Bi-Lo. I love those things. Not to mention, I love the movie I rented. 21. Jim Sturgess has to be one of my favorite actors now. Anyway, in respect to the number 21, I have decided to do 21 things today, required or of my own choice. So here is my list:

1. Learn to crochet something.
2. Make more necklaces
3. Run
4. Read all of chapter 2 in my history book
5. Eat a sorbet
6. write at least 2 editorials for my summer project
7. Work on at least 2 of my art projects
8. Eat Japanese food tonight
9. Have a popcicle
10. Paint my finger nails
11. Paint my toe nails
12. Organize stuff for school
13. Put an air freshener in my car
14. Give Amanda her movie (The Darjeeling Limited) back
15. Embroider something
16. Make a purse/small handbag/wallet
17. Watch tv/movie
18. Play with my dog
19. Mess around with make-up
20. Take brother home
21. RELAX!

Have fun making stuff!
Peace,
E

Green Finch and Linnet Bird

2008-08-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

Since I have been sick for the past few days, I've had a lot of time on my hands. Which , I know, I should have been using for my ever-growing pile of school work. BUT, of course, I used it to make myself some more random doo-dads. I used last night as a time to make my friend something she had said would be neat to have.

I made myself a little mushroom out of felt and fabric a few weeks ago. I had added a little ribbon to it's shroom top and have had it hanging on my car mirror since then. My friend saw it and said it would be cool if everyone had their own mushrooms in the their own colors- I agree!

So far though, I have only made her one. Also, it is smaller than mine, and was actually more difficult to make due to that. The fabric required much more "squnching". But I do happen to like the face on her's better.
Anyway, here is a picture of the two completed "hanging mushrooms". Mine is the yellow, larger one, and hers is the flowery, smaller one.

I will probably make some more random stuff today; atleast up until 5 pm, because our first cross-country practice is this evening! Too bad I'll be running with medication and such.

Also, I'd just like to take the time to say that Becoming Jane is possibly one of the greatest movies ever. I officially loved it. I rented it last night from those Red Box things in Bi-Lo, due to the fact all I felt like doing was lying around. Anyway, you should watch it, end of story.

Peace,
E

Featured Artist

2008-08-03T19:42:00.001-07:00

I know I already updated today, but I found something I just had to share. Schimmel Art. This guy is amazing. He creates portraits out of what most people throw away or shred to pieces- junk mail. These pieces are fantastic examples of the uses of color and lighting. He creates great contrast and amazing effects with these annoying letters we all receive.

Here is an example of his work: [The ever fantastic Jimi Hendrix]

Hopefully he will be as inspiring to you as he has been to me, and I only just looked at his site a little while ago! Enjoy!
Peace,
E

Busy, Busy, Busy.

2008-08-03T17:54:00.000-07:00

Lately I've really been getting into making random crafts and such, therefore, I figured this place needed a make-over! Here is the source of my creativity rush: Craftster

I'll start off with some of the more recent jewelry that I've been making (which was all done today). There are about 11 pairs or so, and I absolutely love this hobby. They are relatively fast and easy to make, not to mention can be really cheap depending on where you buy your beads (personally, I love this one shop in Ram Cat Alley, Seneca). The following pairs are just a sample of what I did- and again, I will probably always be apologizing for any blurrinesses and resizing issues with my pictures.
Click the picture for a MUCH better view.

Next is a wall-hanging that I made today. This is really one of the most simple things to make. I bought the wood at Hobby Lobby for around one dollar. Drill two holes in the top (choose your own spacing). Then I found the lettering and the flower at Wal-mart for about 4 bucks total. The pink flower did not have the green in it's center, that came with the letters. I painted the wood, gesso, then acrylic paint. After it was dry, I just used hot glue to adhere the stuff. Followed up by a few coats of Modge Podge for some gloss appeal! The handle was made of colored wire and some polymer clay beads made awhile ago.

So there are the things I have accomplished today! I've been sick for the past 2 days, and I'm dreading summer work. We only have a few days until school begins, and I am not finished yet! If you have any questions, or thoughts, feel free to share!
Peace,
E

Being a Ninja Trainer is Hard Work.

2007-10-05T18:21:00.000-07:00

We have a meet tomorrow in Anderson, around 9 am I believe. Art is pretty cool; I like the project we've been doing.
English..eh.. not so much. But, oh well. Biology is alright; I like learning about life and such.
Amanda and Megan came over and worked on our Global Studies Project after school.
Taking all honors is tough stuf man.

I wanna rock and roll all night, and party everyday.

I guess that's it; I might put up some art and whatnot. I haven't updated DeviantArt in quite a bit.

Peace in the middle east.

Back In The Swing of Things

2007-08-26T20:39:00.000-07:00

The first days of school are always alittle wack. This year seems like it's going to be really cool; I'm pretty happy with all the classes I'm taking. Although, some of the rooms are really bare and boring. Oh well.
I like pretty much all the kids in my classes, except where I sit in French class. It's okay I guess.
Just all I have to say right now, besides, I've got to get up for another day of school!