I always enjoy joining Mintay’s challenges because they teach me something every time, especially when it comes to knowing when to stop . Mintay’s papers are so full of detail and beauty that it’s tempting to keep adding more layers and embellishments. But at the same time, their elegant designs can stand beautifully on its own. Every project reminds me to find that balance. I also love how Mintay’s style is a little different from what I usually make — it’s more refined and a bit over the top beautiful, which makes me explore a different side of my creativity. I usually like making cutesy projects.
This week’s layout in my Happy Planner is brought to you by the Indigo Sticker Book, totally picked at random because I haven’t used it in a while! I loaded it up with sticker boxes for my daily to-dos since I somehow ended up with more free time twice a week. (Why? Because two nights a week, I don’t cook dinner — we just eat cereals! Oh diba? haha)
Of course, that “free time” didn’t stay free for long… I filled it right back up with new to-dos. I like doing this to myself. hahahhuhu.
My sticker sentiments for this week are:
- Dream big
- Love
- Shine bright dream
- Make things happen
- You got this
But apart from those, I came across something on Instagram that really hit home, and I want to share it here without adding much, just because it says everything perfectly:
Do a good job.
It doesn’t matter what you’re doing. Do a good job.
Whether you’re helping a friend, cooking breakfast, getting chores done, exercising your body, fixing a flat tire, working a job you hate, bagging groceries, making the bed, folding the laundry, providing service, washing dishes — it doesn’t really matter.
Do a good job.
Fully invest yourself in the things you’re tending to.
When you pour effort from your inner core, the universe rewards you with so much more.
— Deja Rae
That one stuck with me.
Craft Update
Last week was a craft-full one! I finished three World Card Making Day challenges
Doodlebug (you can read my blog about it here!)
Mintay (blog coming this week!)
Rosie’s Studio (posting soon, with blog too!).
I also finally brought out all my projects that I've made and stored in boxes since I arrived here in October 2022 and guess what? I now have 200+ handmade cards sorted and ready for my upcoming Winter Market! Around 202 pieces already have envelopes and sleeves, and I still have more to pack. Plus, there are mini albums, sticker sheets, and notepads waiting to join the pile. Honestly, I think I can fill one, maybe even two tables without having to make anything new. But of course, I still plan to add more Christmas-themed ones!
Here are 18 pieces of 3x4 notebooks I made using Rosie’s Studio stash. I’m extra happy with these because they made a nice dent in my hoarded cat food boxes (yup! recycled them into notebook covers!).
Reading & Watching
I finished two books this week, and for background “craft time” (and ironing!) watching, I rediscovered House! I used to watch it during the pandemic but couldn’t remember where I left off, so I started again from Season 1. Still so good!
Life Bits
Christmas countdown: 73 days to go! How time flies!
I’m also starting to include food photos here in my weekly posts, because let’s be honest, I always end up taking pictures anyway. So from now on, you’ll see a glimpse of what we’ve had for dinner (unless you’re already one of the lucky few who gets those photos directly every night hehe).
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| Baked cheesy shrimp |
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| Cream cheese and cherry tomato pasta + Garlic parmesan wings |
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| Salted egg shrimp |
Design Team sneak peek: My new DT stash has arrived! Announcement and unboxing coming on Thursday, but here’s a tiny peek for now!
Plant update: My pothos are thriving! Three cuttings that were in water are now happily planted in soil, and I’ve got three more in water. I guess I’m officially better at keeping pothos alive than succulents. Hehe.
That’s all for this week’s spread — Indigo blues, cereal dinners, thriving plants, and a whole lot of crafting.
See you next week for more planner pages, projects, and probably… more recycled cat food boxes turned notebooks!
Wow! Winter Market. How I wish I could experience the winter market there. One of the things I really love doing during the holidays is going to the "Tiangge" or bazaars. There are lots of things to see like unique handmade products which you wouldn't find in malls. In shopping centers you will find mass-produced, overpriced products made of not so earth-friendly materials.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see the cards you've stashed since 2022. You still have a shoebox full of cards stashed under my bed.
What you serve for dinner really looks sumptuous. Why "eat out" when you could prepare and enjoy portion sizes as big as you want.
Pothos are called money plant, not that it will bear €, $ or ¥ but because they grow fast, bushy and propagate very easy. Your pothos makes your home look like a million dollar mansion.
It's always nice to have plants at home. It helps improve your mental and physical health and boost the air quality.
You have been the timekeeper or the countdown announcer for years now and as luck would have it the family delegated you this title. 73 days to go until Christmas and I'm so excited to celebrate it with all of you.
-aMOMymous