February Blog Schedule

 Hey Y'all!

January went extremely slow for us. Between the massive snow storm that shut everything down for over a week, plus waiting on the confirmation that closing is happening on Feb 2nd it really drug on & on.

Things are really moving ahead, and changing here in February, and the blogs will reflect that moving forward. Your input is important too, let me know what you'd like to see in the blogs. You can leave your suggestions in the comments below! Thanks!

I believe I'll still follow the Monday = Crafty, Wednesday = Beauty, Friday = Anything Goes

 format, but I'll await your suggestions for March's blog schedule.

Blog Schedule:

I had this schedule ready to go early, everything was set. It was ready to post. Then...

Therefore the closing isn't happening today and we've heard nothing (about anything really) from the buyers side... 

So things originally scheduled in this blog have to change, because we aren't saying good bye to the house today.. we're here still, until who knows when. Our assumption is the whole deal will fall through and we'll be relisted come Monday. Extremely frustrating. Also, we really don't have the money to keep this up and were heavily relying on the sale to go through. We were assured less than two weeks ago everything was good to go on both ends.... We're irritated, but we'll just keep on keeping on. Not much else we can do right now.

FINAL UPDATE:

2/5/24 CLOSING HAPPENING TODAY!!! YAY!

2nd F- Blog Sched.

5th M- Saying Good- Bye To Our Home of 9+ years! (Not Crafty, but fit best here) 

7th W- Almost One Week In... How's the Storage in the Van Working Out? Life in Limbo, How are we?

9th F- Music Blog (from phone saved meme)

12th M- How To- Crafting in the Van  

14th W- How We Do Hygiene, Van Life Current Skincare Routine

16th F- Our Favorite Things To Do, Daily Life Living in a Van

19th M- Color with Me, Favorite Coloring Books

21st W- Makeup Routine

23rd F- Books! What I've Been Reading

26th M- Design Space Updates, and News

28th W- Feb Looks

March:

1st F- Blog Sched.

Remember, please share your suggestions/ideas for March blog topics!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Craft Storage in the Van

 Hey Y'all!

This is another one that really didn't need to be it's own blog since we've already talked about storage. I don't know what my plans were when I was making the blog schedule for January.

I will share the Cricut Joy tote (packed) that hubby got me from Amazon.

Previous Storage Blogs:

Craft Supplies Traveling With:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/craft-supplies-traveling-with.html

Makeup Traveling With:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/makeup-traveling-with.html

Clothes Traveling With:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothes-traveling-with.html

Van Storage Solutions:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/van-storage-solutions.html

Beauty Storage Solutions:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/beauty-storage-solutions-in-van.html

Situating the Van:

https://outlandadventures.blogspot.com/2024/01/situating-van-part-1-moving-in.html

I'll be taking the joy travel bag, as well as a similar one for the Explore Air 2, and a mini tote of other supplies. We also have a wrapping paper sized tote full of coloring supplies.

The top (not pictured) has the joy mats and other tools.

The Joy and mini press are under the vinyl.

The Joy and all the crafting totes/cubes fit behind the rear seat. The Air 2 is under the bed in the back, as I figured I'd use it less than the Joy. Most of this can be seen in Outland Adventures YouTube  video if you'd like to see.

Do you have any storage ideas? Share in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Beauty Storage Solutions in the Van

 Hey Y'all!

I don't know why I made this a separate blog this month, because I have shared most of the storage in the van previously. Including most of the beauty storage.

Some of it is still inside the house, like my hair styling packing cube, and soap, shampoo, etc. Those items will go in the bathroom/first aid drawer. 

Makeup Traveling With:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/makeup-traveling-with.html

Clothes Traveling With:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/clothes-traveling-with.html

Van Storage Solutions:

https://craftinwifescreations.blogspot.com/2024/01/van-storage-solutions.html

Situating the Van:

https://outlandadventures.blogspot.com/2024/01/situating-van-part-1-moving-in.html

The bathroom/first aid drawer:

The red box is first aid, cubes are toiletries and medications. There's also a few loose items like dry shampoo, hairspray, camp towels, etc.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Van... Snow Storm...

Hey Y'all!

We got a little bit done in the van...

...and then...

We got quite the snow storm for NE Tennessee, right at eight inches in less than 24hrs. TN is not equipped for that. The roads are finally pretty clear in most places, however it is frigid cold (like highs in the 20's and lows hovering around 0F).

So needless to say, we haven't been doing anything in the van this week. We did post a few shorts on YouTube and TikTok:

linktr.ee/outlandadventures

Chris did a bit of filming outside the other day, here's that video:

We'll get back to van "stuff" next week when the weather breaks, until then here's what we've been doing the past couple days:

We're just beginning season 4 of The Middle. We've also caught up on all the cleaning and laundry. (That was easy, lol.) We've read, and played a few switch games, jokingly turned the LR into a walking track, and y'all we are bored!

Did you get that winter storm too? What's it look like where you are? Share in the comments below.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Just a reminder:

Van Storage Solutions

 Hey Y'all!

I'm sure it's a shock to no one that we had to downsize tremendously in the transition to van life. With that also comes the questions of  how and where to store things. Especially those needed for everyday living.

We knew we wanted (and could afford) as no build as possible in our layout. I'm sure it'll change over time, as do most van lifers vehicle layout.

We shared on Outland Adventures recently how we've situated the van so far:

 https://outlandadventures.blogspot.com/2024/01/situating-van-part-1-moving-in.html

Some of our storage solutions currently are:

1) Plastic 3 Drawer Storage- 

We like them because they're cheap, easy to clean, not much weight, and fairly durable. I had them in my craft room previously. To adapt them for van life we removed the wheels and secured the drawers from opening with Velcro closure. If we had to buy new I'd go with something just a tiny bit shorter, so they cold stack. I'd still do two of them, I'd just free up the floor space.

If you're interested in they organization of the drawers, there is a video included in the link above.

2) We're a big fan of... Totes of all sizes!

These smaller ones are great for holding our sneakers and shower shoes, we have another for the Blackstone accessories, another for craft supplies, etc. We also have a longer shorter one that has all our rainy day activities like coloring books, markers, sketchpads, etc. We use the shoe book size in the overhead (bed) storage which really helps keep that large open space a bit more neat.

3) Packing Cubes-

Organization is key, and these help. Ours are from T.J. Maxx and are prelabeled, which we don't like- but for the price we picked them up anyhow. (12pc for around $5USD.) We have one that is all first aid, one filled with medications, another with toiletries, etc. They really aid in keeping the drawers organized.

We plan to share more about our layout and storage solutions over on Outland Adventures if you'd like to follow along there.

Do you have any storage or layout suggestions? Share them in the comments below.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Clothes Traveling With

 Hey Y'all!

In this blog I'll share all the clothes that are traveling with. If you'd like to see anything in detail let me know and I'll share it in a future blog.

All the laundry is done, and folded, ready to be packed up...

Most items from various thrift stores, or Walmart.

The maroon leggings and tan leggings are especially comfortable, have pockets, and are only $15 USD.

I'm taking 18 shirts, and 12 pair of pants. One dress, and 4 sets of pajamas. Most everything is mix 'n match. I also have about 12 pair of underwear, 10 pair of socks, and  bras of various type, a hoodie, as well as 3 pair of shoes. (Boots, sandals, and a pair of sneakers.)

Not included in the pics above is the outfit I'm wearing today:

Here are Chris's things, mostly packed:

He has a few more shirts, and a few less pants.

Is their something we're missing? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Makeup Traveling With...

 Hey Y'all!

I filmed a clip about the makeup I planned to take just before Christmas, and that's what gave me the idea for this blog. In the video you'll hear me mention taking a specific product for Christmas day, and that's why.

All my makeup fit's in this vintage travel case:

I do have my eyeshadow brushes in the Elmo case from the Sesame Street x Wet 'n Wild collection, and it too will fit in the case.

Video:

After the video I realized I cold fit even more, because of the lid style being lifted. In total I think I have about 16 lip products, and 30ish palettes, a tinted moisturizer, primer, setting spray, and powder...

Pics:

I took these pics in the bathroom closet today, so they aren't the best pictures, but you can see all the items I'm taking!

Face brushes!

Palettes:

This one came out blurry, oops!

I.B.Y. Lorac and TooFaced.

Everything fits with ease. The only negative is that most everything has to come out to get to all the things I need (want) daily. That's not a big deal for me, it just means I'll probably get more use out of everything since it'll all always be accessible. I plan to switch things out on a quarterly basis, with the next swap being in April.

Anything I should add? Take out? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Craft Supplies Traveling With...

 Hey Y'all!

In this blog I'm going to share a list of the craft items that are coming with me, in the van. This blog isn't about how I'm going to fit them all in or the storage solutions we've come up with- that's later in the month.

First is both my Cricut Explore Air 2, and the Joy.. if there's space for both. If not, just the Joy.

You've seen the carrying case for the Air 2, now hubby recently got me this one for the Joy off Amazon. It'll also hold the Mini Press!

Both cases are jam packed with weeding tools, vinyl, leather, HTV, markers, pens, etc.

I've also got a storage cube (soft) full of more vinyl, transfer tape, and blanks.

Blanks= small totes, some cups, small crossbody bags, and a few other random items. 

Outside of Cricut items, I've packed my sewing kit, and all my drawing/coloring markers, pencils, and books.

I think that should keep me plenty busy without taking up too much space!

Anything you'd add? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Day In The Life (AKA Goofy Pics Of Chris, The Husband)

 Hey Y'all!

We did make it, and the upstairs is empty:

Now we're finishing up downstairs, and separating the take, keep, and trash...

Today we started the day watching YouTube, and eating breakfast in bed (in the house, so really just a memory foam mattress that we'll eventually toss, on the floor).

After breakfast I did a couple loads of laundry, and we started tackling the basement. We packed up the last few boxes, sorted out where we were going to put the storage shelves, what we were going to toss, and then loaded up the van for what is hopefully the last storage unit run!

At the storage facility:

Then we stopped for lunch, which we enjoyed in the van (it got a bit warm in there):

Afterward we had a Lowes return to do, and stopped for our Holiday freebies along the way at Fastop, Murphy, and Weigel's..

When all that was done, we headed home. Next on the agenda was making sure we had everything together for heading out tomorrow to family Christmas!

The rest of the evening we plan to rearrange our van storage, and hang out watching Christmas movies. We may even go to town and cruise the park lights.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Can We Get This Done On Time?!? (House Tour)

 Hey Y'all!

The time is ticking by so quickly now! We're almost to picture day, Thursday morning. I still don't see how we're going to make it... Outside isn't getting done, I don't believe.

My doctors appointment today went really well though. Kidney stone is gone, and stent was removed. Slight discomfort, glad it's gone!

Here's the video:

Do you think we'll make it? Sound off in the comments below.

Thanks,

The Outlands

Enjoy these never shared before pictures from previous travels...

Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo

Natural Tunnel State Park, VA

?

Things Are Moving Quickly...

 Hey Y'all!

Things are moving rather quickly now, and unbeknownst to us the realtor wants the house empty by picture day. That was originally Friday afternoon, and has since been moved up to Thursday morning! 

So, all that to say there will be no How-To today. My Cricut is all packed, my computer has been delivered to the niece (the nephew has Chris'). Any craft supplies I'm not taking, or didn't sell, have already been taken to storage. The rest of the blogs for the month I plan to stay on schedule for:

18th Mon- THIS

20th Wed- House Tour

22nd Fri- DITL

25th Mon- Merry Christmas! No Blog Today.

27th Wed- What We Got For Christmas

29th Fri- Books!! What I'm Reading

1st Mon- Blog Schedule

The house is getting eerily empty, however I still can't see finishing by Wednesday night with all the other things we have to get done too. (Like doctors appointment, storage run, etc.)

There is no way we're going to get to the yard as well, so it'll have to do as is.

I didn't intend to have this be a procrastination/complaint blog....

Natural Tunnel State Park, VA

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

HMSP VA

Not A Too Faced Holiday Collection Review

 Hey Y'all!

Sorry we've been super busy recently with #vanlife prep. Today (Wednesday) we had a meeting with the realtors for the house- they did their initial walk through, and went over all the details. We should be listed by Christmas! We've also been busy with taking furniture apart, storage runs, and cleaning...

If you're interest in that be sure to check out Outland Adventures!

As far as the TooFaced collection goes, it's pretty on par with the other holiday collections from years past. I do really like it, and am open to doing a review if you are interested. Leave a comment below and let me know.

In the mean time here are a few YouTube videos about it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxZTFXwSKQ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjxWqDZVo_4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcmMCHbagjI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEK_8DPHSy4

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Pack With Me: Kitchen!

 Hey Y'all!

We've been saving the kitchen packing for last, and keep procrastinating doing the packing we can.

 Obviously we can't pack up food, or all the cookware yet since were still using it, but we can pack up the cookbooks we want to keep, and the glass dishes, and Tupperware, etc...

Here's what the kitchen looked like before we got started:

In progress:

We got all the books packed, most of the cookware, plastic cups, random kitchen items, towels, etc. We ended the day with a full bag of trash and several totes full packed up. We only quit because we ran out of totes, and the only thing left to pack up right now is all the glass (bakeware, and dishes) and cleaning supplies.

We're getting there!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife