Runs on Coffee and Cream

It's a new year which always feels like a new beginning to me; a fresh start. I've never been one to hold myself all that accountable for new year resolutions. I wrote down a few goals I'd like to work on this year, but honestly, the only things that matter to me this year are making memories and doing what makes me happy.

We have some fun plans this year, some set in stone and others that we need to finalize. Emma will be walking this year and she's already proved 2019 to be interesting since she's now crawling and trying to stand up. I can only imagine how many new adventures we'll encounter this year with her.

Source

I've also found new inspiration in my creative life - artists, creators, crafts, fabric. So many things have sparked new motivation in me. I haven't felt that in a while to be honest. It's nice. It's nice to feel these things again which make me want to spend time in my craft room or sit at my laptop and write .

My first step in my newfound creative world is starting a new Instagram account; one that will focus solely on my creativity and interests - sewing, crafting, reading, geeky things, and blogging. I've always held myself back a little bit on Instagram knowing that the people who follow me might not want to see a lot of Etsy posts, book reviews, toys, or new fabric pictures. Now, I feel free to spam the heck out of my 'creative' account.

The other thing I want to focus on is streamlining my social media presence. I'm taking a break from Twitter. I have found I just scroll on there; not really interacting or sharing my own thoughts. The next is Facebook. I've backed away from Facebook this past year a bit. I go on randomly only because most of my family is active on there and it's a way to stay sort of connected. But I don't want to get lost in that timeline either. So my goal is to connect my new Instagram account to my Facebook page. That way I can still share things without really having to log into Facebook.

I apologize and also thank you in advance while I navigate this new inspiration and try to find the voice I want to share online.

xo Jen

My goal for 2017 was to get more organized. I found myself stressed out and scatterbrained in 2016 and I vowed to make a change.

Since I opened up the pages of my new planner I have found myself obsessed with it. I actually enjoy making time to sit down with it and plan out my upcoming week and make to-do lists for the next day. I'm sure it helps that I've loaded myself up with planner stickers and washi tape to make the pages more fun and inviting to look at.


It's only been about two and a half months but I wanted to share some dos and don'ts that I've encountered since starting to use my planner daily:

• use paper clips, bookmarks or other things to draw attention to certain pages. I find it easier to locate important pages with these items; such as my list of books to look up, and my 2017 convention dates. 
• be creative whether it's with stickers, doodles, washi tape, or coloured pens. It will add some fun to your planner which will make you want to keep coming back to it.
• don't use too many stickers. I killed the month of February with heart stickers that I found cheap at Michael's. Well, it left little to no room on certain days. So be aware of the space you leave to write in.
• use the internet as your inspiration for planners. Both pinterest and instagram have some amazing planner ideas and layouts to keep you organized and on track.
• don't judge and compare your own planner to some of the works of art online. Some people have been addicted to planners for years and some just have a natural creative talent to make things look pretty. You are the only one who needs to be happy with your planner!
• find what stickers work best for you. I've found I need checkbox stickers because I make constant to-do lists. Etsy is a great source for all different types of planner stickers.
• don't be afraid to make mistakes. I use pen for most of my planner and I've just started crossing things out if I make a mistake. No one is going to proofread what I write or criticize my errors so who cares?
• have fun and remember the planner is meant to help make life easier!

Found at Michael's.

Look how cute these are! These are from Plannable Designs on Etsy.

Found at Michael's.

Found at Michael's.

It's New Year's Eve and tomorrow starts a new year - a fresh start and a chance at a new beginning. I'm not completely sold on making new year's resolutions. They typically end up being thrown by the wayside if they're unrealistic or you lose motivation after a couple of weeks (or days even).


I feel like it's best to always try to better yourself throughout the entire year. I've been working on this for a while now. Things like self-care, growing as a baker, challenging myself with crafts and DIY projects, and trying out new hobbies.

Start 2017 off right.

For me, January 1st does feels like a fresh start. I love looking ahead and thinking about what I have going on in that upcoming year. I love filling out my new planner with events, conventions, and birthdays. Spending time organizing these things helps me clear my head. I recently read all about bullet journals and how they can help ease anxiety, scatterbrain syndrome (which is something that I have been dealing with over the last year), and are a great way to combine your planner/to-do lists/diary into one.

I'm cheating this year however. I already bought a really nice standard planner. One with monthly calendars and then the weeks broke down into bigger sections. I'm hoping to take some of the features and ideas behind a bullet journal and incorporate them into the planner I have. I was pretty pumped about it while looking at planner accessories at Michael's Craft Store earlier this week.

Planner Goals

My carpal tunnel is also playing into not using an actual bullet journal right now too. The thought of marking out my own calendar and dates makes me cringe at the pain in my hand. So a journal already set up and ready to be filled out makes things easier for me.

I do have some other goals I want to work on in 2017... things I'll share another day.

For now, Happy New Year! Be safe tonight and see you in 2017!
xo Jen

Christmas has come and gone and I'm feeling very indifferent about it. It's sad that our time visiting family is over and that I'll be packing the Christmas tree and all my decorations up for another year very soon.


On the other hand, I'm excited for a new year to start; to sit down and start a new planner, a new journal. I can fill in conventions, trips, weekend visitors into my planner. Or write a list of goals to accomplish over 2017. A fresh start seems very exciting to me.




I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!
xo Jen

2015 is almost over. This Friday is January 1st, which means a new year will be upon us. At the end of the year I enjoy looking back at what happened over the last 12 months - the good and bad. I like to see how I've grown, what mistakes I've learnt from, and how things have changed. From this I find inspiration for the new year. Motivation, inspiration, life lessons. I don't necessarily set goals for myself for the new year, but I do jot down ideas, dreams, and things I'd like to try during the upcoming year.

This is my list:

Baking

Baking is a huge passion of mine. I've definitely grown and become more adventurous but I have so many more ideas that I'm excited to start working on in 2016. I started a notebook a little over a month ago where I've been writing down all my ideas for treats. I'm beyond excited to start baking and decorating which is a really good thing. Though, I'll have a lot of sweets on hand, so please come over and eat some!



Crafts

This past year I attended a few new conventions and craft shows where I sold my products. I really enjoyed myself and did well at these events which means I'm planning on selling at these shows again in 2016. Because I was selling to a new crowd or at a different type of event, I made note of what was selling better than other things so I definitely have some ideas on how to properly stock for these shows next year.


Home

We worked on our house and yard a lot over this last year. But for the upcoming year we already have plans to paint 3 rooms and replace some of the flooring. It's super exciting for me because I've been itching to start on this process and it seems like it's finally going to be happening in the first half of the year. I cannot wait to have freshly painted walls where I can finally hang art and photographs.



Health

I'm starting off the new year having my carpal tunnel checked out. It scares me so much since I rely on my hands for everything I do and love. But I cannot keep waking up at night due to pain in my hand and pins and needles in my fingers that make me cry. I'm hoping getting this looked at will be the start of a positive and healthy year for me.

About a month or so ago I came across the amazing, talented, inspiring world of the Female Geek Bloggers. I follow a lot of people on Twitter who are apart of this group and I also read some blogs with the FGB logo in their sidebar. I finally did some research into the group and I'm in love!

One of the regular blogging themes amongst the group is the Five Fandom Friday. Five Fandom Friday was started by two bloggers whom I admire, The Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick, and each week bloggers will write about the same thing or theme. This past week was 'New Years Blogging Resolutions'. This seemed right up my alley since we're only a couple days away from the new year and I've been focusing more on my blog this year.

So here are my New Years Blogging Resolutions:

1. Better photos
I've stated this before but I really want and need to up my photo game. Which means a better camera and trying to find the best lighting in this house. I have been working on lighting and taking my time with photos to avoid blurriness, but it's still something I want to improve.

2. Connect with companies and host giveaways
Because of IGGPPC, I'm becoming more exposed and experienced with contacting companies about hosting giveaways or looking for sponsors for special events. I now need to transfer that experience to my own blog and hopefully find some amazing people to work with.

3. Write ahead
I'm bad with leaving posts to the last minute. I keep a blog schedule/calendar filled with details and ideas so I never go to update a post with no preparation. But it'd be nice to have a couple of posts on hand at all times for when I get called into work or a sickness takes over. That way I wouldn't feel so stressed out about writing and keep my site up to date.

4. Go on more adventures
More adventures in life means more content to write about. Living in a relatively new-to-me city means there's lots to explore but I just need the energy and bravery to head out there!


5. Become more connected with other geeks
Seems vague, but I want to connect with more people at comic conventions, online, through blogs, etc. Networking can be amazing and I've experienced some positive outcomes from networking. I want to do more in the geek community and work with amazing people!

Today is my birthday. This year my birthday was bugging me more than normal. I'm 29 years old today and that just feels so ridiculously weird to me. It's the last year I'll be in my twenties. On one hand, I don't feel my age at all. I'm still collecting toys, wearing Hello Kitty t-shirts, and putting my hair in pigtails. But when I read something like this article, I realize I'm no longer 23 and that there's parts of me that have definitely aged, or matured. Currently, I'm the healthiest I've ever been mentally and emotionally. My relationships with friends and family are stronger than ever before. Physically, I've definitely had some crap to deal with over the last year but it's nothing I can't handle or deal with.

I want this next year to be a great year in all areas of my life so I decided to make a list of things I want to do and accomplish before I hit the big 3-0 next year!

Thank you for reading my little blog and for all the support you've given me <3
xo Jen

Summer is fast approaching and we've already had a few days that have felt like the middle of summer. The sun has been shining a lot lately and the heat is high in the afternoons.

With moving at the beginning of June to a new city, it is going to through my summer off... Initially I will be without friends at our new place but will be making trips back to Hamilton to visit family and friends. So I want to focus on having the best summer and fun adventures in both the new place and when I come back down to visit.

Things I want to consume:

Key Lime Cake


Secret Starbucks drinks


Iced Coffee


Cotton Candy

Happy New Year's Eve! I have to admit that I don't have any big plans for the evening. Adam works late so I'm spending the night on the couch watching Supernatural and maybe a chick flick until he gets home. It works out since not only have I been working non-stop for the last couple of weeks, but I've also caught a cold. My chest is on fire and my throat feels like it's been cut up so it's best for me not to speak much.

I spent some time over the weekend looking back at the last year and coming up with a list of goals for 2013 - both personal and professional things I'd like to work on and work towards.

2012 Recap:

It was a crazy year both personally and professionally. Adam graduated college and we made the big move back to Hamilton while he looks for a paramedic job. We were in Welland for only 2 years but it felt really strange coming back to Hamilton. I love being near my family and friends here but I do miss Welland, especially the canal and the walks we went on.

I had my most successful comic convention year yet which is why I started to keep better and precise track of the financial side of Sparklegirl. This is helping me to make better decisions on what shows I should and shouldn't do for the future. Etsy was also a big success this past year. The main reason why, I think, is from the advertising I've been getting from some amazing supporters through Facebook, twitter and other blogs.

2013 Goals:

Personal

* Fitness and Health - Since moving in September, I haven't kept up with my workouts. They've become sporadic and I'm not going for as many walks. I have noticed a big change in my energy level so between a workout schedule and getting my thyroid checked regularly, hopefully I can start feeling more energized this year. 

* Sleep - I have never been one to get get a lot of sleep. I stay up way too late and then feel like a zombie in the morning when my alarm goes off. Over the last couple of weeks I have made a point of going to bed earlier than normal and I need to continue this. I can't function properly off of 5-6 hours sleep anymore.

* Decorate apartment - We are officially unpacked since moving. But there's still pictures to be hung and we need curtains in the spare room. I want to work on making this apartment our home and not just a layover place until Adam finds a paramedic position.

Professional

* Blog - I'm incredibly happy with my blog and I want to continue working on it throughout 2013. I want to change the layout slightly, add more blog links, and finally create a blog button for it. But I want to continue with the direction it has taken over the past 6 months or so. It's one of my favourite creative outlets.

* Crafts - Make more skirts! haha. Seriously though, I'm going to fill my Spring and Summer wardrobe with cotton skirts and I'm going to make sure I have some awesome ones for the conventions this upcoming year.

* Etsy - Update my shop monthly (it's so hard to do sometimes).

* Podcasts - I have been invited on a few podcasts and I kept putting it off because of my lack of microphone (and maybe my nerves). But I really need to get a mic that works and just get over my stage fright. I look forward to having conversations with these awesome people.

* Store Consignment - It's been a goal for the last couple of years, but I need this to be the year that I contact some stores about carrying my items.

* Conventions/Shows - I will be cutting out a few shows in 2013 that just weren't profitable enough for me in 2012. I am also applying to a couple of new shows that I've never done before and we'll see how that goes. And it looks like at Toronto ComiCon I'll be sharing a table with the guys from An Elegant Weapon. I have a feeling it'll be a really fun weekend with them.

This is just a snippet of some of the things I have in mind for 2013. I don't want to make this a huge post so I'm trying to keep it to the basic goals, plus I have a few things in mind I'd like to keep to myself until things get under way.



Thank you for your support this past year! I'm excited for 2013 to start!

xo Jen

It's been a whirlwind of a year for me. There's been a lot of positives and steps forward, but there's also been a few hiccups as well. A few things have happened that I had no control over or that I let happen... things I'm unhappy with.

But there's no time like the present to make some changes. I know 2012 is going to be a crazy, yet exciting, year for me and Adam. I want to take small, steady steps towards some goals that will make life better.

Goals:
*Health - this past I've had a lot of body issues... possible food allergies, skin problems and just overall feeling gross and exhausted. I need to cut out a lot of processed food and start eating as much fruits and vegetables I can and I have to keep up on my exercising.

*Sparklegirl - I need to focus on growing my 'brand', whether it's etsy updates or blog posts. I just did my first giveaway on facebook and I want to do at least a few more throughout the year. I also want to continue promoting etsy shops and other artists that I support. Hopefully, by the end of the year I can have my etsy shop or an item I've made featured on someone else's site as well.

*Stress - this has always been something that I'm not great with. I tend to take on as much as I can and don't ask for help. I need to keep my life balanced and say no if I have to or if I want to. Also, I shouldn't be afraid to ask for a favour from a friend or family member either. If there's something in my life that's stressing me out, then I'd like to rid my life of it or at least learn how to deal with it properly.




I know there will always be something to work on and to work towards. Nothing will ever be perfect and sometimes I will make mistakes. But I want this year to be amazing and to build some strong foundations in all the areas of my life.

xo Jen

2012 is right around the corner. With Christmas over, my mind is becoming distracted by the events that will be taking place, or hopefully taking place, over the next year. Life is going to be exciting and scary this upcoming year... but I'm honestly looking forward to it. I have faith that this might be one of the best years yet.



I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday and spending time with loved ones!

xo Jen

We moved to Welland a little over a year ago. Since our move life hasn’t settled down…. There was looking for a new job in the area, getting engaged, planning a wedding and all the events that surround a wedding. I thought life would go back to ‘normal’ once we got back from the honeymoon… though I’m not sure what normal is anymore… I was ready to start my countdown to Adam’s graduation so we would finally know where we were moving and settling down. But out of nowhere a new job fell in my lap. And it’s actually a good one! The thought of managing a small toy store might just be a dream come true. We’ll see if I feel the same once I start dealing with customers and pregnant ladies. But it’s 5 minutes from my apartment which means I can walk to work and no more commuting! I will be saving 2 hours every day not commuting… what will I do with all this extra time?!?!

Between trying to wrap my head around this sudden change and trying to get more organized about my crafting, life is exhausting. It’ll be nice to have more time to keep my etsy updates regular and promote my facebook fan page. I’m in the midst of writing out a list of shows I want to do in 2012. There are a couple of new shows I’d like to try but other than those, I want to focus my time and energy on the big shows. I want to make my table set up better, have more stock, and play around with packaging ideas  – tags, bags, and new business cards.

 

Wish me luck... I start the new job in less than 2 weeks...

xo

Jen