Fresh Wreath Birthday Card

This weekend was better than most. My health left me very tired but I was able to help with some cleaning-which doesn't happen very much. Ken does the cleaning and says he doesn't mind. Rare quality in a guy! Thankful that he's willing to clean but can't wait for the day when I can do at least half of the work. I'm kind of a clean freak! 

Ken and I went over to mom and dad's tonight for dinner. Mom made homemade GF sesame chicken,  rice, and a cranberry apple salad with an amazing vinaigrette! She can really throw it down in the kitchen! 

Lymie Pinterest finds:

Made me laugh

Hope

Because of Jesus there is always hope! "He gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Freshly Made Sketch:

I made this birthday card with inspiration from Freshly Made Sketches. I hadn't used the Wondrous Wreath set so I thought I'd try it out on this card. 

I love that this stamp set can be used for different occasions, not just Christmas! 

I'm thankful that I was able to do some stamping over the weekend (mostly to fill Etsy orders). I plan on featuring different cards from our Etsy shop on the blog! You can find our store by clicking the link at the top right of the home page. But here's the link if you want instant access :) TRC Etsy Shop.

Have a "wondrous" Monday!

*Robin

When I Need a Friend...

...you're there! It's such a blessing to have friends like this. After being diagnosed with Lyme I realize just how special it is to have faithful friends. And near and far God has brought friends that I didn't know/didn't spend much time with before this journey began.

A Card Challenge:

Most of the time the card challenge sites have sketches or colors that are somewhat challenging but THIS challenge from Stampin' Celebration was the hardest yet! I love a challenge though! I took a bit of artistic liberty but tried to stay true to the sketch as well.

I think the hard part for me was that the banners were on top of the half circle. And that the flowers/shapes needed to be scattered on the banners. I give props to Wendi for the sketch. It is important to be challenged to become better at anything you do! 

Paper (SU): Soft Suede, Very Vanilla, Soho Subway DSP, and Park Lane DSP

Stamp Sets(SU): Choose Happiness and Petite Petals

Embellishments(SU): Twine and Pearls

Tools (SU): Pansy Punch, Petite Petal Punch, Circles Framelits, Banner Framelit from the new Gift Card Framelit as seen in SU's holiday catalog. 

This Weather:

Despite the nasty weather, I'm thankful that my rheumatological symptoms are not as pronounced today. It's a perfect day to cuddle up in a chunky sweater with a cup of coffee or tea in hand and a favorite blog or book. 

I want this sweater! ...and the ring looks cool too.

If you could please pray that I'd be able to read more. I really miss it. My cognitive skills have declined, making comprehension difficult. Good thing SAT's and ACT's are way behind me :). I'm thankful for stamping. It's such a great creative outlet that keeps my mind going with out making my head feel like it's swelling. I love it! 

*Robin 

Coffee Lovin'

Coffee Themed Card:

Like many around the world I love coffee. There's mixed reviews about if it's good for you or not. Caffeine isn't great for Lyme. The question about coffee came up early in the string of doctor's visits and I was told that one or two cups a day is OK but not ideal. I usually stick with the "OK" option ;)

I was so happy last year when Stampin' Up came out with a coffee themed stamp set, "Perfect Blend". I love the color challenge this week at The Paper Players but was having a hard time choosing a stamp set. I didn't want anything fall related even though the colors lend themselves to that. "Perfect Blend" seemed perfect for the project!

I also got my groove on at Freshly Made Sketches. I love their challenge site. And the stamp set worked with the sketch.

This bold roast may show up in our Etsy Shop or in my person stash! 

Materials: Always Artichoke paper and ink, Cajun Craze paper and ink, Whisper White paper, Baked Brown Sugar paper and twine, Blackberry Bliss paper, Color Me Autumn DSP, Bitty Heart punch, Square Framlits, Project Life corner rounder, Sweet Essentials, Gorgeous Grunge, and Perfect Blend stamp sets.

Some Pain Relief:

I started medical massage on Wednesday and was near a pain attack before the masseuse began the session. She was able to reduce my pain and the relief lasted throughout the evening! I'm thankful for a therapy that helps with pain and that's covered by insurance. Insurance coverage is a big deal when dealing with chronic Lyme. Praising Jesus for this blessing!

*Robin

First Christmas Card of the Year!

Fresh Challenge:

I've been holding out on making Christmas cards because I want to hang on to summer stamps (I didn't even get to some of them!) Flamingo Lingo is one that I really want to ink up. Who says there can't be Summer in December in place of Christmas in July? :)

I enjoy using the sketches at Freshly Made Sketches! Here's the sketch and my card!

How it's Made:

I used the White Christmas stamp set from the new holiday catalog. I've had a hard time getting the photopolymer stamps to make a complete image but this stamp set makes nice images. Any one have ideas to make the images clearer? I had fun designing a Christmas scene. Loving this stamp set!

Materials: Framelits, White Christmas Stamp Set, All is Calm DSP, Smoky Slate, Whisper White and Lost Lagoon card stock, Smoky Slate, Lost Lagoon, Pear Pizzaz, and Cherry Cobbler ink, and lots of bling to make a sparkly white Christmas look.

Health Update:
The doctor is concerned with my teeth so I'm off to the dentist tomorrow. My teeth often throb throughout the day because of clinching due to pain. Please pray I can make it through the appointment. I may even come out with a cool mouth guard-hope it's sparkles :)

*Robin

Support for You

Lyme Support:

Life has been status quo. I've shared a lot of my Lyme symptoms. Some have gotten better, some worse. And then there are those nasty ones that just stay the course and try to drag you down. There's a reason why people say "fight cancer", "fight lyme", etc... If the disease is persistent you have to be persistent. It gets tiring. Jesus is my strength. My Hope.

Today Ken and I met with a Lyme support group in Raleigh. We got mixed up on the time but two ladies stayed behind to chat. They were a real encouragement. I was overwhelmed with all of the nutritional info they shared. I've changed my diet a lot since I was diagnosed with Lyme. No gluten-no dairy-no eggs-no lamb (lamb, that's the hardest one to let go of). The way these ladies eat make me look like a junk food addict! Ahhhh. I could definitely make more changes in my diet. We'll see how it goes. Thankful that there is a support group near by...the next meeting is a lecture on juicing.

He's by my side while we fight Lyme! 

For You Card:

I walked back to my creative escape this evening and decided to make a card based on FMS 152 from Freshly Made Sketches.

This sketch is a lot like the card in my last post but I like it :)

I used the Perfectly Preserved stamp set and the A Round a Ray set, neutral chevron ribbon, some thick twine I picked up at Hobby Lobby, oval framelit, woodgrain EF, and the new Flower Pot DSP

Colors: Whisper White, Baked Brown Sugar, Garden Green, Tangelo Twist

I really enjoyed making this card-it's for some special people! 

*Robin

When Skies are Gray

I can hear thunder outside right now! So that fits perfectly with the card I made for the Mojo Monday challenge. I've been wanting to make some cards to have on hand for personal use, not just for the shop. But I have been feeling gray skies and haven't felt up to making anything. I just finished a parasite protocol that is used in conjunction with my Lyme treatment. Whew, it sucks the life right out of you! But last night I felt well enough to go back and craft. 

I always have a hard time choosing which stamp set to use. I knew I wanted to use the Mojo Monday sketch. 1. Because it's awesome and 2. Because I saw that my aunt and cousin had uploaded their creations. It's usually hard to pick the challenge as well but these 2 reasons made it easy :) I chose the See Ya Later stamp set by asking Ken to pick a number and a letter and this was the set that I landed. 

I wanted to paint a picture with the colors and patterns I used on this card. I used Smoky Slate, Tempting Turquoise, Daffodil Delight, and Whisper White for my main colors. The new Sweet Taffy DP and large dot embossing folder came in handy. I wanted paper that gave a cloud effect. I used the Stampin' Write markers to distinguish the sun from the cloud and the HAPPY from the rest of the words on the stamp. Happy should always be in yellow, right? A strip of rainbow Sweet Taffy DP was a must because there's hope in and after the worst storms!  I finished the card off with paper piercing and bling! 

I'm not sure if this card will show up in our Etsy shop or in my personal stash. Check out our shop HERE! I really enjoyed some stampin' therapy. I encourage anyone to give stamping a whirl but especially people with chronic pain who want a creative hobby that you can do in the solitude of your own home. 

I think I might use this great sketch again in the future! 

*Robin 

Long time no post

An Update: 

Thank you to those who have been praying for our family. I'm still struggling to respond to treatment. and some other complications like an infection and kidney stones. I'm currently on an antibiotic that will help with the infection. Because I've been off antibiotics and because there's so much bacteria to kill, I've been nauseas and have been feeling odd (only word I know to explain it). I heard that other than labor, kidney stones are the most painful thing to encounter. Chronic lyme pain can make you scream as your spine feels like it's being sliced, etc (just a little info for those who want to learn about lyme). I was surprised that passing the stones was no where near as painful as lyme-although I'm positive there are more painful stones to deal with-my heart goes out to you. Hopefully mainstream doctors will take Lyme disease more seriously one day.

Most of my doctor's patients do the chronic lyme treatments, push through and start living a fairly normal life. It's been more difficult in this case. But we have a lead on why I've had trouble moving forward-an inflamed gallbladder. Two other lyme patients similar to me have had theirs out recently and have noticed a significant decrease in pain. Tests confirmed that I need to get my gallbladder out. I go for surgery May, 8th and am really thankful for it.

SO thankful for Jesus and the hope He gives. There is always hope even when it's pitch black. Thankful for my family and for friends. Thanks for the love and support mom and dad and mom and dad T! Ken gets home from work and comes straight upstairs to talk to me when he could be eating. Which, if you know Ken...this is true love! I say, don't worry about me, but he still sits with me a little. Mom is here with me or going to appointments with me every day. So thankful for her giving spirit when she could be kickin' back and enjoying retired life (not that your old mom) ;)  Thanks for your love and continued prayers.

Blessings,
*Robin

Just Around the Corner

So out of touch:

Today I was running on fumes! Ready to disintegrate at any moment. How's that for a cheery intro? I haven't blogged, facebooked, instagrammed, twittered, etc in a while. I'm trying to get back into that and keep up/in touch with people. I love social media outlets but I'm realizing that it's ok to chill from those things too. I mean, my dad isn't on anything except email (sound like I'm referring to drugs-I guess social media can be addicting).

No, I don't know what's around the corner:

Wish I did. I do know that our Etsy shop's 1 year anniversary is tomorrow! Hopefully I can blog about it. Wanted to give a quick health update for friends and family. 

We went to the doctor last week.  Don't want to spoil the ending so I'll start from earlier on in the 8 weeks leading up to the appointment. 

Last visit Dr. P put me on a detox protocol again. My stubborn body will just not eliminate! Through the course of all the detox protocols we've learned some things about detoxing the lymphatic system. Here is a great site that gives some easy, inexpensive ways to get the lymph drainage started. I REALLY want to try the clay bath but it's so messy and is probably the most expensive treatment. Maybe one day I'll go to a fancy shmancy spa and get in a clay pool, like in the movies. Yeah, doubt that's gonna be happening for abundant reasons! 

Here are some treatments I learned about from site listed above. 

For the first month or so we saw some steady improvement with these treatments, supplements, IVs, etc. Then things started spiraling downward. I had major stomach issues. Worse than usual. I had gone almost a month with NO pain attacks!!! Praise the Lord for some reprieve. Unfortunately, they started again and have been continuous. Like I said, I don't know what's around the corner. 

So we told the doctor all of this and I'm on hold right now but have a supplement plan. I've had tests done to see if my gallbladder needs to get yanked. We are just waiting to hear results. I guess the ending wasn't that great. The girl didn't get the guy or anything. Just a nasty gallbladder that could be in a pathology lab soon. I had to hold back tears but I think I'm ready to part with my g-bladder. 

FYI: 

Tomorrow is our Etsy shop's one year anniversary.  Mom and I opened the shop as a creative outlet and a way to try and "escape" Lyme in a sense. We are 7 sales short of 200 and are trying to reach our goal of 200 by tomorrow night at midnight. If you purchase something from The Rounded Corner within the next 24 hours a coupon code for your next purchase will be sent to you via email. 

We are now selling some scrapbooking materials and more tags. For instance, you can purchase what you need to make 10 of the flowers on this bag. Fun Easter craft!? (bag not included)

More items to come just around the corner! Let us know if you had a specific item/look in mind and we will do our best to customize an item for you.

Blessings,

*Robin*
P.S. Please pray for my sister in law, Abby and her fiancé, Craig. Pray for his health as well as strength to keep up with schoolwork during this valley. Thanks. 

Heart Handle Gift Bag Tutorial

Here's a quick tutorial that's quick, easy and pretty fun I'd say!

What you'll need:

-Brown paper bag (yep, like the kind used as a lunch bag) 

-Washi tape (Buy awesome washi tape here)

-Glitter Paper (or patterned/plain paper-it's your creation!)

-Adhesive

-Rubber stamps (or use no text at all) 

-Miniature size clothespin (Purchase Here)

-Heart shaped punch or Frame lit (These two items can be bought here)

What you'll do to make your mah-valous gift bag:

1. Cut off the end of the lunch bag. You shouldn't be able to stand the lunch bag up after cutting. 

2. Fold the edges at the bottom of the bag toward the back of the bag and secure with washi tape (see pic below).

3. Punch or cut out the heart at the top of the bag to make the "handle".

4. Go to town with your washi tape. Decorate however you like! Would love to see YOUR creations. Leave a comment with a link to watcha made. :) 

5. Add a stamped sentiment or if your good at calligraphy, go for that. 

6. Last, but definitely not least, cut two small strips of glitter paper to fit your clothespin and glue the paper to the front and back of the pin. Fold over the top of your gift bag and clip the clothes pin on to secure. 

This project only took a few minutes. It would be great for a last minute gift! Kids could really get into this too. Their friends will love their personalized gift! My favorite part of this project is the washi tape. Where has this stuff been all my life?! I know it's all the rage now and I'm loving it! 

Grab your lunch bag and get crafty :) 

*Robin  

Going Green with colourQ!

I love the color challenges over at colourQ! I was glad these colors lend themselves to a masculine card because I tend to go more girly or trendy. I tried to keep it masculine with some baby flair...which means ribbon and some girly stuff that the baby boy will not remember when he's older. :) Love the zoo babies stamp set! Check out my mom's blog to order stampin' stuff.

colourQ #231:

This cute little guy should be in our Etsy shop soon!

Gotta jet :)

*Robin

Pals Paper Arts Challenge!

While mom and dad were gone visiting grandma and papa we got to keep Snickers!! I hung out with him in the craft room for a while during his stay. Such a sweet pup. Wanted to make a couple of cards but ended up with one. One is better than none, right?! Here's the neat sketch from PPA.

I usually have a hard time with background stamps but this one isn't too bad. Everything was going great until I spilled embossing powder everywhere. 

This card definitely took some patience! But love the poppies!  

I used Pleasant Poppies, Six-Sided Sampler, and Curly Cute stamp sets.

And used Whisper White, Perfect Plum, Soft Sky and Pewter embossing powder for color.

Blessings,

Robin

Colour it Fresh: Two Challenges!

Had a few good hours over the weekend and I was able to create! The colourQ challenge and Freshly Made Sketches challenge close tomorrow so wanted to get this posted. I combined the colors from colourQ and the FMS into one card.

Love this challenge site. Check it out.

First time playing at Freshly Made Sketches!

I love how this card turned out. Probably because it has high heels on it! I loved to wear high heel before Lyme and I still love shoes. :) I used the color inspiration but also the inspiration from the high heel. I wanted it to look like two friends walking in the sun. Did the best I could at that considering the space on the card. Wasn't sure about these colors at first but ended up loving them! 

I used Fabulous You, Delicate Doilies, and Chalk Talk stamp sets.

Tempting Turquoise, Summer Starfruit, Stazon Black, and Kraft for my card colors.

I go back on the detoxing regimen tomorrow. Have been having bad stomach problems so praying that the regimen doesn't make those issues worse. Everyday is a challenge but just like the card I hope to face the day shining in my high heels. A girl can hope right. :) They're actually calling for freezing rain tomorrow...

Blessings,

Robin

A New "Do"

Come on, get up! 

That's what I say to myself everyday when it's that time. When I was in HS I would hit the ground running and loved the mornings! But now, ...not so much. Making appointments is a challenge because I never know what the day will hold. Do any of us really know? Only God knows and numbers our days. But I had an appointment this week and with help made it on time! It did help that it was a hair appointment. I mean, come on, what woman doesn't feel better after a good hair cut? If you're local I know where you can get a good haircut! 

Mirante Mix Salon:

I'm trying to grow my locks out so I hadn't been for a hair trim in several months. In the "before" pic I felt like I had a thick mop on my head. I am thankful though because my hair was falling out like crazy due to the strong antibiotics I was on and it might happen again when I resume antibiotic treatment. Always tended to be frustrated with my semi-curly, thick hair. Then people would compliment me on my curls and I wished it was straight. We always want what we don't have. Recently I've been thankful that I have hair. It's interesting the things we take for granted. I did get my stylist, Amaris, to take some of the bulk out as you can see! 

Leanne, the owner of Mirante Mix and Amaris, my stylist. Leanne does mom's hair and has done mine once and does a great job! 

Layers to give some lift. Have this flat spot on my head. Yeah, I could totally ace that carry a book on your head thing they practice in refining school. It's all in the head shape I guess. Don't think we'll see many refining schools popping up anytime soon though...

My girl Amaris. She does a wonderful job! I love how "Zen" she is and how she always blow drys my hair and straightens it without me asking. I highly recommend her! 

Check out the salon's Facebook Page to get their contact info! 

Hoping I can stand this shoulder length hair until it gets a little longer. I was tempted to revert back to the angled bob but decided to overcome temptation...this time. 

Blessings,

*Robin  

colourQ Challenge!

This challenge ends in less than 10 minutes. Ahhh! So here are the colors and my card.

I immediately thought...masculine and vintage. Don't know why? 

I think it's because I never really make vintage or masculine cards.

This was definitely a challenge! 

This card will be in our Etsy shop soon! 

*Robin 

Sunny Days

What, a Walk without the Cane!?

The last couple of days I've felt a bit better. Went for a walk yesterday without my cane! It was a gorgeous day. Ken and I walked side by side and admired the new neighborhood and saw kids having fun. It's going to be crazy when school is out!  Wouldn't it be nice to be care free like that again. 

Got to church this morning too. As soon as I got into the car after church tears rolled down my eyes as my body gave out on me. My gait was messed up when we got home and Ken had to carry me up the stairs. Thank goodness for Ken! Whether it's church, the mall, a doctor's visit it doesn't matter...I break down when I get home. It's still worth getting out I think. Really learned a lot at church today! 

I'm off treatment for a little bit just to catch my breath. The intense detoxing was getting to me. In addition to getting out of the house I've been doing some creating with my extra energy. I've been making some cards. Slowwwwly :) 

Pals Paper Arts:

I'm starting to love doing card challenges. 

I made this card inspired by the Pals Paper Arts sketch challenge! 

I'm not a Stampin' up demonstrator and don't describe every product I use on a card.

However, my favorite elements of this card are: International Bizarre DP, Perfectly Penned Happy Birthday Stamp, and Gorgeous Grunge Stamp Splatters to back up the sentiment.

This card will be for sale in our Etsy shop soon! 

Am I Hurting Right now?

You betcha! But here's the thing. There's hope! Take advantage of the less painful days and find a creative outlet or intellectual activity that you can handle. It really helps.

If you're interested in Stampin' up products let me know. It's super fun and I know a demonstrator-my mom! We'd love to have parties in our new craft room one day. 

Soak up the sun if you're in the south! And enjoy the few days, hours, moments of some relief. Hang on to them and use them for good!  

Blessings,

*Robin

Fab Friday Challenge

Challenges:

No, I'm not talking about Lyme in this post :) This is about what mom and I have been up to in our new craft room!

Recently I've discovered that there are a multitude of card making "challenge" sites. Love a challenge! And this also gives mom and I inspiration and an incentive to keep our blogs updated.

Here is the sketch challenge: 

http://fabfridaystampinchallenge.blogspot.com

Here is my card for Fabfri35:

Check out my mom's site for her card! http://www.lauraglin.blogspot.com

Most of the cards we post for these challenges can be found in our Etsy shop! 

Take a look and shop around: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheRoundedCorner?ref=si_shop

Keep creating and shining! 

*Robin 

Moving Forward

It's been a while since I've written. Over a month!

Lyme Update:

Mom and I went to see Dr. Pittman a few weeks ago and I'm still on an intense detox plan. Some things were changed up a bit but overall Dr. P is encouraged with the cleansing protocols. Just have to get the dead stuff out before we start killing again.

I absolutely LOVE accessories so here's a pic of my most recent. I got it on discount...FREE! oh yes. And no, it's not the watch I'm talking about, but I did find that at Loft for $8.00.

My cool bracelet that a nurse took off her arm and handed to me.
Lyme disease DOES hurt in many ways!

No matter what comments are made only the patient knows exactly how it feels. Thankful for the people around the world and especially the ones in my life that care without judging something they can't feel. God knows every nerve that misfires and every immune deficiency. I'm so thankful for my husband and how he trusts what I say I can do and that the pain is real. Lately I haven't felt like writing because of the insecurities the disease brings. It's hard to write and update without sounding like a complainer but also tell it how it is at the same time. I know there are people that care and this is for y'all :) And it also feels pretty good to just let it out. Very cathartic! 

Moving Forward:

SO as far as every day life goes I have ups and downs. The pain levels have decreased to an extent and pain attacks are less frequent. It's hard to get all of the treatments in during the day but Mom and Ken help a lot with that. It's hard to get out of bed still but at least I can walk. Never know when I'll feel OK or when I'll be doubled over in pain.  We still have a long road ahead but I think overall we are closer to the light.

Ken and I were able to move forward to a new stage in life. We moved! I had a huge flare during the move but it's starting to settle down. It was nice that we were able to move things over slowly because of the agreement with our landlords. The decor in the pics below definitely didn't fall into the house over night!

We've made a lot of progress. Of course I want it all Better Homes and Garden-ish right away. Patience!  Here are some pics of what we're doing with the place. Thankful for the new paint we were able to pick out!

Sherwin Williams-Sensuous Gray

Sherwin Williams- Rain Drop

Sherwin Williams- Main Walls: Creamy, Accent Wall: Poised Taupe 

Sherwin Williams- Sea Salt

If you're interested in decorating...a lot of the decor was purchased at Target. All of the bathroom pieces were and so were the window treatments. Gift cards from Christmas and my birthday definitely came in handy. Thanks! .... you know who you are :)

Praising God for taking away fear in my heart of sharing about lyme life and giving me some temporary relief to write this post. Praising God for a home to make memories in and to decorate. You may have seen my station all set up in the craft room. Mom and I are so excited! Maybe next time I'll share some cards.

Blessings,
*Robin