Haven't Disappeared but I Did Miss My Own Blog-iversary

So instead of celebrating my 5 year blog anniversary with fanfare, big giveaways, parties etc, I think I'm accepting that missing the 5th anniversary of my blog last month is a sign that maybe it's time to step back and rethink some things.

When I started this blog 5 years ago, College Boy (who is now Graduate Boy)  was a Junior in HS and I was ( I thought) at a point in my career where things were fairly stable. Busy, as they have always been, but I'm a person who's best with a lot to do. But with a HS Junior gaining the kind of  independence they should, I had fewer school related engagements etc. and felt it was a perfect time to explore something that might continue into eventual retirement.

Problem was, someone forgot to tell life of this great strategic thinking. Best laid plans...HA! My day job went the opposite direction. Instead of "slowing down" it went on turbo overdrive along with other life events but still I managed to use my blog as an outlet and continued to grow. As I mentioned, I do better when I have more to do. This is something that's always been true and it's something I just kept telling myself. I could do everything. I could work 60 hours a week. I could be on top of all of the events and celebrations I've always made cards and gifts for. I could Martha my way through holidays. I could apply to and participate on design teams. I could do more more more.

Except I couldn't. Something had to give. That's just reality. I neglected my health, mental and physical. Fortunately it didn't take any kind of catastrophic wake up call but signs were there. Pain, injury, anxiety, frustration, fatigue.

And just as I would counsel anyone else ( we never take our own advice do we) you can't do it well. Long story short, whether through the inability to work on stuff because of  pain or injury, or the anxiety of feeling overwhelmed (which leads to more anxiety that you're committing the cardinal sin for people who are wired like me...DISAPPOINTING anyone!) you reach inertia and then you're no good to anyone, least of all yourself.

So if you're still with me , I say all this to say that I think it's time for me to re-set the clock and go back to why I started this blog in the first place. I wanted a place to share things that I liked to make. Pure and simple. I've been thrilled to have been featured at different blogs and websites. I've been honored to have participated in design teams. I've been excited to share sponsored posts. I don't regret any of that.

I'm not abandoning the blog and I really do enjoy having a weekly link up where people get to share their creations. I'm just formalizing what's happened already. I'm going to step back and let things be organic again.

BFF Open House #208

Happy Friday Eve and Mother's Day Weekend everyone. Hope all the moms and grandmoms out there are spoiled rotten this weekend. Shout out to The Mumster. We'll be celebrating Mother's Day next week in the best way possible: College Boy's graduation. Can't wait! 

Here are some ideas from last week's party that you can still whip up for Mother's Day!

This looks good enough to eat right? DON'T! But even if you don't like or drink coffee, this is a delicious and indulgent treat perfect for pampering yourself or to give in a pretty jar as a gift. Whipped Mocha Scrub from Woods of Bell Trees.  

If you need some last minute creative Mother's Day gift packaging, you might check out this idea from Much More Creative. 

If you have a Mom to Be or a new Mom in your life, here is a wonderful and practical gift idea from Logan Can. One of my cousins sent me something similar when College Boy was born and it was the absolute BEST gift I received. 

This week's chocolate feature is an adult beverage I've been wanting to try . How about a Chocolate Martini from The View From In Here? 

Now on to this week's party! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

BFF Open House Link Party #207

Happy Friday Eve everyone. Can you believe tomorrow is May already? I cannot. I will get the best Mother's Day present possible...watching my "baby" graduate from college later in the month. Nothing can top  that. I am also going to have to come up with something new to call him besides College Boy. More on that later. 

Let's see some features from last week's party. 

This is a gorgeous card any mom would be thrilled to receive. Perfect for weddings or birthdays or multiple occasions. Visit Craft With Cartwright for the details.

Here's another card. Love the clean construction and I especially love the story that goes with how this card came to be. Visit Paper Seedlings to find out. 

With Graduation season upon us check out this modern and chic alternative to a traditional class ring. Visit Jewelry Making Journal for the how to .

And this week's chocolate feature should come with a warning label. 

Fudgy Caramel Brownies from The Gracious Wife. You're welcome! 

Now let's see what you've been up to this week! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

BFF Open House Link Party #206

Hi all and a big birthday shout out to my lil mom The Mumster! Her baby girl has had another one of those weeks I'm sure you're tired of hearing about but life is life so no features this week :( 

Thank you for continuing to party here and share your creations and hopefully visit each other. Enjoy!! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

BFF Open House Link Party #205

I blink and it's Friday eve again. Seriously I am living the movie Groundhog Day which will continue for a while and I want to thank you all for continuing to link up despite the fact that I have had NOTHING to share on the blog lately :(

Some fun ideas from last week's party! 

Heather from Woods of Bell Trees just never runs out of brilliant ideas. I mean never. Would you have guessed that these gorgeous cups were made using temporary tattoos? I have seen these tattoos when I manage to make it out of my home office  lately but  would not have thought of putting them on drinkware! 

I think those tattooed cups would look great on this coffee table tray from 24 Cottonwood Lane. How crisp and fresh is this? 

I adore this end table makeover from Kris at Aurora Patina! You really have to see the table she started with to get this incredible result. Tres chic!

OK I have a spoiled rotten dog but this pet bed from Artsy VaVa takes things to an entirely new level. It has a CHANDELIER...a chandelier people. Again, you need to go see the before to be even more impressed with the after. 

OK now on to this week's party! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

BFF Open House Link Party #204

Happy Friday eve everyone! Fridays cannot come soon enough for me these days. Unfortunately it seems neither can Mondays! But enough of a breather this week to share some features from last week's party and the week before!

Let's start with this great door decor from Lemons and Laughs featuring adorable little rain boots. I've seen rain boot planters but using kid size boots you can decorate your front door. 

I see another trip to the hardware store trying to explain that I'm not planning to use their stuff for its intended purpose. Love this wine bottle vase idea from A Woman's Haven. 

How much fun are these animal jars from Woods of Bell Trees? You could have so much fun with different themes. 

For this week's chocolate feature, Mint Oreo Rice Krispies Treats! A mouthful to say and a mouthful to enjoy!  Visit Purple Patch DIY for the recipe. 

Now let's see what you've been up to this week !

   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

BFF Open House Link Party #203

Happy Friday Eve, start of Easter and Passover! It's been one of those weeks again so I'm lucky I'm even getting this party up. No features this week friends...so sorry. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend . 

Peace. Love. Chocolate! 

   

    An InLinkz Link-up