we are finally home from hawaii!! wow. What can I say.. i didn't get the tan I wanted.. but I DID get some much needed rest and relaxation! Maui was so beautiful! and we got lucky and had pretty much overcast the entire time.. which.. don't get me wrong.. LOVE the sun.. but when you aren't used to the heat or the humidity that comes with it.. the overcast thing is nice! It was still so warm and in the 80's the entire time! We tried to go to the beach as much as possible.. and I even learned how to surf! wahoo! We did do a few fun excursions with our friends.. zip lining, snorkeling with the turtles and the fish (AND dolphins who decided to come play with us too!!)..
(this is me and ben on our snorkling excrusion.. so relaxed.. it was the second day of our trip..one of two days we had sun!)
and we took a hike to a waterfall and swam in it! so fun! but really my favorite part of the entire trip was sitting on the beach.. just looking at the ocean and watching the waves come in and out. Sitting, reflecting, thinking.. letting my mind just slow down.
As many of you know.. I have fibromyalgia.. and before I left, I was taking my medication three times a day just to seriously.. be able to get through the day. Well by the last 3 days in Hawaii.. I was only taking it ONCE.. in the morning! It was crazy! I am pretty sure the weather and the release of stress is why. I my husband took this picture of me outside of our condo one morning.. and I when I looked at it.. I could see the stress out of my eyes.. I just felt so relaxed and like I could come back.. ready to take on the world again..
(and yes.. i went blond again.. right before I went to hawaii.. wasn't sure I liked it at first.. but it's growing on me! )
but I have to be honest.. by day 6, I was ready to come home.. I MISSED MY KIDS SO MUCH! i decided next time I go to Hawaii.. I want to stay longer.. but I will have to bring my kids! lol. If I can find cheep flights like that again.. I am all over it! It's cheaper than a cruise or Disneyland! that's for sure! The condo we stayed in.. that we got for 80 bucks a night.. was SO stinking cute and nice! You never know what you will get.. but man it was awesome! it wasn't over the top.. but it was clean and big enough for four of us to not be on top of each other! Plus really, we didn't spend any time there.. except at night. Not much to do in Hawaii at night.. we don't drink.. and it seems most of the shops in Kehie close around 6.. so we would just go to bed early. I found myself waking up early the first few days I got there.. and just sitting on the lanai listening to the sounds of the birds and the ocean close by. It really was magical.
Anyhow! now we are home.. and life is back to craziness again! lol. I think I have over 500 emails to sort through today.. holy cow.. it will be a long work day today..
I have to tell you about one of the most exciting things that happened to me while I was in Hawaii.. the second day there.. I got an email (i tried to check my emails at first while I was there from my phone.. but gave up after about day 3.. as I seemed like I the replys never were going through..) anyhow.. I got an email from a wonderful lady name Judy who is the casting director for a new show coming up...
have you ever heard of Cupcake wars? ( I LOVE LOVE LOVE this show).. well the producers of this show are starting a new show called the Ultimate Craft Throwdown. The show will be based like Cupcake wars.. where 4 contestants will start and be given a craft challenge and then after each round someone is cut by the judges until only two are left. The winner receives 10,000 dollars and their craft pieces featured somwhere as well. Anyhow.. Judy, the casting director.. emailed me.. saying she had found my blog and wondered maybe two things.. one: if I would like to possibly be one of the contestants on the show.. and two.. if I would post about it on my blog for anyone else who might be interested and want to apply! I was like.. oh my heck are you kidding me??? I emailed her back immediately and said.. YES YES YES!!!! I had to send in an official "resume" like thing.. like my name, contact info and why I want to be on the show.. and pictures of crafts I have made.. so I didn't get to do it until I get home.. friday. so now patiently waiting to hear back if I made the cut! I hope I did!!
So anyhow.. here is the info for ALL of you on it!! Even if you don't want to try out for it.. it would be a fun show to watch!! I have a few friends in mind that would be PERFECT for this show too.. Margie is one of them! Gonna encourage her to send a submission too!
Anyhow.. so fun. and exciting!
well this week is crazy for us.. we are leaving out of town again.. heading to utah and then vegas.. to visit family and go to a football game.. right before the holidays.. our entire family is coming with us.. so lots of packing to do.. laundry.. and catching up on work! So I guess I better get back to it! I am doing a video today on the mixed media kit for December..and will have it posted on wednesday!
and before I go.. I wanted to list the winner of Jeanne Olivers Camera BAG!!! AND Jeanne and I talked when I got home this weekend and she wants to offer all of you 20% off her entire store.. if you place an order before the 24th!!
Use coupon code JOY20
she has some GREAT last minute christmas gifts!!
here is the winner of the bag!
Posted by: Cheryl Stoneham | December 07, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Cheryl.. email me and I will forward jeanne your info!
Happy Monday to you all! I missed you!!! Glad to be home :)
sooooo cool, christy!! congrats on an awesome opportunity! can't wait to see the show!
Posted by: Alicia @ La Famille | December 19, 2011 at 10:24 AM
OMG... so exciting! I do like to watch Cupcake Wars, I'm over the top thinking about crafting wars! lol Congrats!
Posted by: Sherry C | December 19, 2011 at 10:33 AM
SO glad you had fun, and relaxed... you deserve it! And how fun about the new show - I can't wait to watch it!!!! I crumble under pressure, so I know it's not for me... lol
Posted by: sandi tygar | December 19, 2011 at 10:56 AM
So glad you guys had a fun time and you got to take care of yourself for a little bit.
Posted by: Janine | December 19, 2011 at 10:57 AM
How exciting!! awesome.. Love Love crafty shows:) Thank you for the discount code for Jeanne oliver's stuff.. I bought myself a christmas gift ( the camera bag) swoon:)
Posted by: Meghan | December 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Go Christy...this is definitely something that you would be great at!
Posted by: Martha Richardson | December 19, 2011 at 11:01 AM
good luck!! what channel is this going to be on?
Posted by: jenlynnie | December 19, 2011 at 11:04 AM
What an awesome trip - glad you had time to unwind. What a great opportunity to be on the craft throwdown, I would definitely watch that. Safe Travels, Merry Christmas!!
Posted by: Donna L | December 19, 2011 at 11:12 AM
Christy I have been having major problems with my fibromyalgia since July, so I know your pain. I'll have to tell my husband that all I need is a trip to Hawaii!!! I am going to try and do a girls weekend after the first of the year. That should help. I've also started getting deep tissue massages and I think that is goi g to help too.
I am so glad you had such a great trip. I don't know you "in person" but just from what I see with your businesses and traveling for work and taking care of your family and making time for girl time YOU AMAZE ME!!!!! I don't know how you do it. I need to learn how to push through the pain
more. I get kind of down on myself because there are so many days I feel useless because I just can't hardly move or accomplish anything. I am hoping that I can get some weight off so that I will hopefully have less symptoms. I was born with Cerebral Palsy, no major issues now at all from it (other than tightness and irritation in the scar tissue in my ankles and tightness in my shoulders and neck). I've also been diagnosed with TMJ, PMDD, ADD, CP, osteoarthritis, chronic sinus problems, asthma, Raynaud's Phenomenon and my husband wants me to have an MRI on my back because I can't stand for more than five minutes without my lower
back hurting and going numb feeling and it spreads down my bottom and further down my legend that is similar to the problem he has had with his L5 S1, that he had surgery on two weeks ago tomorrow.
I just want to be able to lead a normal life and do more with my family. I am seriously considering lap band surgery. I eat well, most of the time, and just can't seem to take the weight off. I know it's because I don't move enough. I WANT to move more!
Sorry about my little pity party. I'm so glad you had a wonderful trip and I ope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Samantha Wales | December 19, 2011 at 11:33 AM
Oh, and I love our hair! Perfect color! Not overly blond and not too dark. You are lucky you can pull off all of the colors you do. I do not look good as a blonde.
Posted by: Samantha Wales | December 19, 2011 at 11:35 AM
1st of all your blonde is beautiful. Fingers crossed for your tv show too.
You look completly relaxed in that photo and that is why Maui, especially Kehei is so magical. My favorite place to go. Long morning walks, lots of beach time, a little exploring and come home refreshed and renewed. The aqarium there is a favorite too.
I have to tell you, I made adorable little ornaments with glass and clay and kids pictures in them for all my friends and family. They turned out so darned cute. Thanks again for that amazing class.
Posted by: Barbara H | December 19, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Hawaii?!?? Looks amazing!!!
Posted by: Mae | December 19, 2011 at 12:35 PM
Hey there girlie...your hair is fabulous! Glad you got to destress in beautiful Hawaii...the ocean has the effect. I just know you will make the cut for the craft show and can't wait to watch! Take care!
Posted by: Lisa Castillo | December 19, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Love the hair!! Love that you may get to be on a super coolio show!!! Merry Christmas amazing girl!!!
Posted by: Leslie | December 19, 2011 at 01:31 PM
Wonderful that you got that much needed R&R! I have fibromyalgia too among other things. I know you'll make the cut for the craft show so I'll congratulate you now!
Hugs XX
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara Moore | December 19, 2011 at 01:46 PM
Hawaii was just what you needed and I'm glad you had such a fun time - it really is a magical place. Good Luck with the Craft Challenge -you are perfect for that show!
Have a wonderful holiday with your family.
Posted by: Pat Healey | December 19, 2011 at 02:19 PM
So glad you had a wonderful trip. Congrats on your new venture...can't wait to see the show! :)
Posted by: Michelle | December 19, 2011 at 02:30 PM
That's a great picture of you, Christy, and the blonde colour really suits you. Glad to hear you had a nice relaxing vacation!
Posted by: Angie | December 19, 2011 at 03:54 PM
aaaack...I just contacted the new show...Thanks for putting the info out there!!
Posted by: Laurie M | December 19, 2011 at 06:23 PM
You look beautiful. I like your blonde hair. Glad you are feeling better too. I just thought I would mention this, but have you ever heard of practicing transendental meditation for your fybromayalgia ??? Years ago I used to be palgued with costochondritis, sort of a painful swelling of the ribcage membrane. It would last for months sometimes or I could get injected into my ribs with steroids ( expensive). I was sometimes bedbound for days. Long story short, someone recommended TM and it made a huge difference and also in other areas of my life. I have not had costochondritis in over 15 years. I just thought I would mention it. If it didn't help with that, it has made a big difference anyway and I am so glad I learned this technique.
Have a happy holiday!!
Posted by: Camille | December 19, 2011 at 08:38 PM
Wow! Hawaii sounds like it did you good! And to get that awesome email about Crafter Throwdown...I so hope you are a contestant! I would love to see you throw it down! All sounds great, congrats!
Posted by: Danielle | December 20, 2011 at 08:37 PM
HOW AWESOME!! =)
I can't wait to see the show!! I LOVE CUPCAKE WARS and I'm sure you made the cut!!
I LOVED the pictures and Maui is FABULOUS!! We went on our Honeymoon and will be going back forsure some day!!
Have a FABULOUS HOLIDAY WEEK!! =)
Posted by: Larissa Heskett | December 21, 2011 at 03:51 PM
You look fantastic as a blonde and sooooo rested!
Can't wait for you to be in the Crafter Throwdow - you will blow the other contestants away and we'll all be watching and cheering for you!
Posted by: Irene | December 21, 2011 at 04:08 PM
OMG....how fun that show will be. I love cupcake wars. You will rock!!
Smiles,
Debra
Posted by: Debra | December 21, 2011 at 08:25 PM
You look awesome as a blond!! The show sounds like it will be a ton of fun! Good luck.
Posted by: alison | December 22, 2011 at 12:00 PM