MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Here we are into 2012 already.  Dont you agree that 2011 went by so quickly.  My Christmas cards were out very late this time as it seemed that Christmas was on my doorstep before I knew it. I am sure a lot of you are feeling the same way. Well here we are on the 1st January 2012.  Only today was I able to read my SU! January Impressions Newsletter.  I have been way to busy to sit down and leisurely read the newsletter.  I dont think I was meant to read it before today as there were some very good tips for after the bustling Christmas season. It read Whether you love the bustling, festive season or you can't wait to get it over with, the post-Christmas hangover can hit even the best of us. (thats me for sure). You've been shopping for gifts, entertaining and keeping up with appointments and parties. (yes again).  When it's all over, sometimes you're so worn out that you just want to curl up in a ball under your favourite blanket and hibernate until a magical elf comes and cleans your house, cooks a month's worth of freezable gourmet meals.  (Sorry ladies, the elf does not exist).
Here are a few ways to tackle or even prevent these less-than-mediocre moods with a little care.

1. GET COSY. Sometimes we need to succumb to that hibernating urge and take some time alone to recharge.  Cook something nice, grab your comfy blanket and read a great book or watch your guilty pleasure TV show-without the guilt. (I sat down this morning to read a good book before I read the newsletter)

2. KEEP GIVING. On the flip side to getting cosy, its just as important to think outward. Even when the festive season is over, stay in the giving mindset. Start looking forward to something like Valentines Day or someones birthday. One of the best cures for the blues is thinking of and helping others instead of staying wrapped up in your own problems.

3. PLAN A PICK-ME-UP.  Make a day for a fun day trip, stamping with friends or another outing. Having something to look forward to can boost your mood. In fact, research shows that anticipating a positive even raises your spirits just as much as when you experience the event itself.

4. GET SOME SUN.  Try to get out in the sun a little every day. Lunchtime is a great time to take a walk or run some errands.  If you have to be indoors all day, open the shades and let in as much natural light as you can. (As I was taking my newsletter outside to sit in the very overcast morning and as I stepped outside, the sun all of a sudden came out. I wanted the cloudy feeling but when I read the newsletter I realised that the sun was what I needed)

5.  GIVE THANKS.  Create a gratitude journal and take a minute every day to jot down a couple of things that you are thankful for. you will become more aware of what is good in your life and what is worth celebrating and being happy for.  As a bonus, creating the journal itself is a mood booster too. (Once upon a time ago I had started a gratitude journal and it makes you think at the end of each day what you are greatful for, try it)

6. CELEBRATE THE LITTLE THINGS. As you are writing down lists in your gratitude journal, remember to keep the simple pleasures and moments in mind too. Most often, these are the things worth celebrating most and tend to be things we overlook and take for granted.

7. CONNECT WITH OTHERS.  Meeting new friends at workshops and spending time with old ones at stamp clubs or group meetings is a great way to stay social - and being around people as well as creating and maintaining meaningful relationships is essential for our mental well being.

 If you have been feeling a little tired and run down try these mood boosters and you will beat the blahs for good.
These tips have been slightly adjusted but most of them referred to how I am feeling.  Dont get me wrong, I am not depressed but just very tired after the festive season. 

Well it is our son's birthday tomorrow.  I spent the morning reading a book, reading my newsletter and making a baby card for a friend.  As the day wore on I was thinking of what kind of card to make our son. I happened to go online to check out the SU! website and was checking through the new cards etc on the Stampin Connection when I came across a card I liked.  I soon realised that I had seen this ladies work before so I sat for awhile and ran through some of her blog.  I am talking about Beccy Roberts.  Beccy had done a folded card and had referred where she had found her inspiration.  I went to that blog (Wickedly Wonderful Creations - Wendy Bell) and decided that this was the card I was going to make.  Its funny how you try to concoct an image in your head of what you are going to do and then all of a sudden you find something you want to do. 
If you would like to see a video tutorial of this card then visit Wendy Bells blog. I have adjusted one of the measurements as I found that the diamond did not sit centre.  When it says to score at 3" and 5.5" change it to 3 1/4" and 5.5". You will then find your card sitting central. Hope this helps.

I have used the following products.
Stamp Sets: Happiest Birthday Wishes, So Cute (discontinued), Autumn Days
DSP : Well Worn
Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, So Saffron
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Versamark

Accessories: Clear Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Scallop Circle Punch, Ribbon (discontinued) Stamp-a-ma-jig.

Well thats it for me for now. I do hope you have had a wonderful start to the new year and that it continues to be good to you.
Thanks for popping by :)