Getting Healthy- Diabetes Edition: Making a Motivational Board

Motivation

-making a motivational board-

How do you stay motivated to keep on going?  For me it’s simple!  I place a photo of our baby we lost in front and me and remind myself I have to keep going!  No matter what, no matter how bad it hurts, or what I think, I have to keep going!  I also have a motivational board!  It’s basically a poster board with cutouts of my favorite quotes, words, etc that help keep me motivated.  See below on how I made my motivational board!

I simply bought a poster board for $1 at the Dollar Tree then used recycled cardboard and cut words and photos I liked from magazines.  I glued the words to the cardboard then cut it out so it would be sturdier.  I then taped it onto my poster board so that it would be easier to move if I didn't like where I stuck it!  

If you decide to make your own DIY Motivational Board please share it with us!  

DIY: Momma G's Bullet Journal Inspired DIY Planner

DIY Planner

by Miss Momma G

Ever since I could remember, I have been using planners as a way to keep myself organized. However, I just can't seem to find one that suits me, or works the way I need it to,  So I just made my own!  I really love the planners from GreenRoomEco that I found from Target last year but now I can't seem to find them at the store!  A real bummer!  I loved that it was made with recycled paper and there was a hard cover on either side.  What it lacked for me though was a weekly view that focused on my Life Areas of interest and a place for my brain dump, a collection of notes and things I want to get out of my head and on paper.  

So when I couldn't find what I wanted, I just bought a planner for the time being but later decided to make my own.  I got inspired by what they call the Bullet Journal.  So I adapted that concept and made my own version.

To start off I had to decide on what kind of journal that I wanted to use.  I really liked the Markings Bonded Leather journals by CRGibson.  They are a little expensive but I like that it has an elastic Band Closure to keep journal closed, a cute ribbon marker, and an awesome accordion Style Storage Pocket on the inside of back cover where I can keep stickers, papers and post-its in!  Most of all I really like the fact that the paper is acid & lignin free and made with soy inks!

I gathered all of the supplies I thought I might need.  Stapler, tape, washi tape, markers, post-its, tabs, other planner pages, stickers, pens, etc.

So next, was the most time consuming!  I had to decide what "sections" I wanted and to estimate how many pages I would need for each section.  It took a while but I am happy with the results.  I ended up with the following sections:

1. Index
• approximately 4-5 pages
• this is a list of topics and their page numbers where I can quickly find what I am looking for
2. Yearly Overview
• approximately 1-2 pages
• I cut out a page from a calendar and taped it in
3. Important Dates to Remember

• approximately 2 pages
• I got creative with this page and made a 2 page spread and used my Washable Stamp Ink Technique! 
4. Tentative Schedule

• approximately one side of a 2 page spread
• schedule is printed out and taped in 
5. Journal Key
• approximately one side of a 2 page spread
6. Monthly Calendar 
   
• 2 page spread for the month
• 1 page Monthly Stats Page 
7. Weekly Calendar
   
• approximately a 2 page spread per week
• Includes my Life Areas I want to focus on, and My Doodits (Notes, Brain Dump)
• My Life Areas are God, Home & Family, Work, Self.  Each area I have something I would like to accomplish.  It's basically like asking myself "What am I doing for God, my Home and Family, work, and myself?"
8. Measurements Page
   
• approximately 1-2 pages
• to help me keep track of my measurements monthly and to see my progress
9. Goals & Intentions 
• approximately 4 pages
• a list of goals and intentions, things I would like to accomplish or complete
10. What Works 
• approximately 2-4 pages
• I highly recommend everyone to incorporate this into their journaling!
• This is a forever, ongoing list of things that I know what works for me as well as a constant reminder that it will be okay when things get rocky or disorganized.  I can just flip to this page and remember what works!  I know being organized helps me stay on track so I would write organizing  on  my What Works page!
11. The Truth
• approximately 2-4 pages
• I also highly recommend everyone to incorporate this into their everyday lives!  This is where I write positive things about myself, that I know are true but sometimes find it hard to accept sometimes, or don't want to believe.  The Truth will Set Your Free! For example, I am unique and different as God intended!  Therefore I don't need to worry about not having the perfect body, God made me the way I am for a Reason!
12. Wants
• approximately 2-5 pages
• This is a list of things I would like to purchase or get one day.  This can include music, books, crafts, anything.  Just a list of stuff you may think you might want one day.

If you decide to make your own DIY Planner, make sure you share your pics! Happy DIYing!

DIY: Momma G's Washable Stamp Ink

Washable Stamp Ink 

by Miss Momma G

Technically, it's not really ink, but washable markers!  I don't like forking out tons of money on ink pads, let alone having to find a spot to put all the different colored ink pads afterwards.  So instead, I use what I call Washable Stamp Ink, which is basically any kind of washable marker!  This technique works well with letters and small stamps.  

You basically use your desired colored marker, color the ink fill side and press! Viola!  

I also find it very helpful to have a wet rag and dry rag for cleaning purposes.  I usually use a baby wipe and a piece of toilet paper.  I stamp on a wet surface then a dry surface to clean the stamp off after I am finished.

Here's an example of a finished product using my Washable Stamp Ink technique. It turned out quite nice with bright, pretty colors!

I hope you enjoyed this affordable crafty tip!

Finished Projects: Infant Loss Awareness Bracelet and an earring and bracelet set

Here's a couple of things I finished last month and am just now getting up on the blog.   The pink and blue memory wire bracelet was made for Infant Loss and Awareness and I think it turned out very pretty! The other project I made was a really nice stretchable bracelet along with a pair of earrings to match.  

Finished Project: Crochet Granny Stripe Bag

Crochet Granny Stripe Bag

I am so happy with how this crochet project came out!  Simple, cute and easy! Thanks Tangled Happy for sharing your pattern.

Tangled Happy | Pattern