What's For Lunch

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

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