Life Updates-ish

  Hey Y'all!

What's new?

Nothing much that I haven't already written about here or HERE. 

This week we've just been relaxing. I've blogged, and we've posted our YouTube video, and did some social media stuff, but we haven't filmed anything, except the TikTok video on Outland Adventures I posted earlier.

We explored Daniel Boon Trail, downtown both Richmond and Berea, went to a few smaller parks, checked out several local thrift stores, went to Fort Boonesborough State Park, also Battlefield Park, and Battle of Richmond Visitor Center, read several books, people watched at the campground, went to a flea market, and grocery shopping, and had one of the top Mexican food meals ever- located in a gas station. 

So maybe we didn't rest all that much...

Other updates? We're getting ready to head to Indiana again, to remove the rear seats, and build a bed/storage. We've given ourselves a few weeks to get that done, then it's back to TN for more doctors appointments. 

In mid July we're on the road again, destination unknown... North, but other than that who knows. Any suggestions? Leave them in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Yeah, Nope: Get UnReady With Me

 Hey Y'all!

I could have had a great blog here, but I forgot. Rather than do it after the fact and act like I remembered, I like to be real.

Get UnReady With Me:

Yesterday would have been perfect for this. We're staying at a campground in Berea, KY, and we've been the only people using the bathhouse. I could have easily taken pictures, or video. I'll still share some pictures I took today, but it's not the same.

Last Night-

First, I picked out my PJs, and got all my shower stuff ready. Definitely needed to wash my hair. (The first time since dyeing it blue!) So I gathered up all the soaps, shampoo, shampoo brush, towel, etc I'd need.

It was a very long walk to the bathhouse {sarcasm}:

Once inside, there are 4 toilets, the first being handicapped, however I can't see a wheelchair user being able to use this without leaving the door open...

And 4 showers, again the first being handicap accessible, and a bit better than the toilets.

The other 3 showers are identical and look like this, the one I used:

From the other end... The bathrooms are a pretty good size.

I had to include this hand dryer...

It's horrible. I never think these do the job, but this one is especially bad. It gets plenty warm, but takes at least 2 cycles to dry. Usually I give up and just walk away wet.

I appreciated the separation of the shower and the little changing area, nothing got wet! Huge plus.

While shampooing, the suds turned blue, no surprise there. I was glad to see that it didn't stain the shower curtain, or my towel. I dried off, got dressed and headed back to the van.

Once inside I combed my hair, I always forget the comb and leave it behind. Then I did my old lady creams, and got in bed.

I played on my phone for awhile, then watched some YouTube and went to sleep.

Who's your favorite YouTube channel? Share in the comments below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Other Die Cutting Machines, And My Opinion On Them

 Hey Y'all!

It should come as no big surprise that Cricut is my favorite, go to machine when it comes to vinyl, leather, paper, etc cutting. 

But I have owned a few, and know enough now about the ones I don't to give my opinion on them (and why I don't have one).

 

First I thought I'd share my opinions on the 3 die cut machines I own. A Cricut (Explore One, and Explore Air 2, and a Joy, but for this blog we'll be comparing the Air 2). A Silhouette Cameo, and a Sizzix Big Kick. 

Cricut is my favorite, so I'll start there.

Cricut Explore Air 2~

This one is identical to mine, which came with a sampler pack (20 sheets) of 12x12 Removable Vinyl, fine point blade, all the instruction manuals, a month of Cricut Access, a black pen (for the draw feature), and one light grip mat.

Pros:

Design Space is FREE. There are a ton of images available to use in this free version, and even more in access.

Easy to find/use/buy and upload other images to use.

Very small learning curve/Easy to use, with a ton of customer support.

Easy to create within DS*.

Can cut a multitude of materials. (Paper, Vinyl, Leather, Fabric, Felt, Cardstock, etc.)

Writing, Drawing, and Foil capabilities.

(* DS= Design Space from here forward.)

Neutrals:

11.5in x 23.5in cutting area. They do now have a larger machine, but it's not very popular, and it's expensive for it's capabilities, compared to pro level vinyl plotters.

Cons:

Anything designed in DS stays there. No real way to export you're files.

DS is very limited in the actual Design aspect. There are slice, and weld type functions, a curve tool and basic shapes to manipulate, but if you want to really design you'll have to use an outside program. (I like Inkscape.)

Must have internet access to use (unless you are using desktop or iOS, and have presaved it for offline use).

Not compatible with Chromebook, minimal functionality with android. (https://help.cricut.com/hc/en-us/articles/360009556033-System-Requirements-Design-Space).

Next up is the Silhouette Cameo~

I got mine on Facebook Marketplace, it came with the cords, mat, a ton of vinyl, & an extra blade!

Pros:

Many more "settings" giving the user control over everything from blade depth to position and everything in-between.

More freedom in their Silhouette Studio to design your own projects.

12 x 12 Print then cut.

Work offline with ease.

Can cut several different materials.

Matless cutting up to 12in x 16 Feet! (The Maker series for Cricut allows this feature, but only with their vinyl.)

Neutrals:

Software Upgrades are a one time fee. Once you've paid, that version is yours.

No "pre-loaded" designs.

Cons:

Huge learning curve if you're not using design programs previously.

EXTREMLY LOUD, like really, really, really, loud.

Less customer service options.

Finding the right cut setting for each material can be difficult.

Up next, is the Sizzix Big Shot/ Big Kick~

The difference between these two was color, and where they were sold. To my knowledge Big Kick is discontinued, but they're the same machine.

I got mine years ago, at Tuesday Morning (my second die cut machine). 

Pros:

No computer, design software, or electricity needed.

Extremely easy to use. Pick a material, choose a die, load it up and turn the crank. That's it.

Great for card making, especially the embossing folders.

Neutrals:

Virtually no customer service. (It's a neutral, because there's less things to be a potential problem, i.e. no electronic parts).

Cons:

The dies & embossing folders take up a lot of storage space, some dies especially are very large.

It's Heavy. I'm not a social crafter, but this thing was advertised as portable. It's awkward shaped and over 7lbs alone, so I'll let you judge the portability of this machine. 

No design customization possible.

Lastly, for fun, a now defunct, discontinued electronic die cutter, the Slice, by Making Memories. This was the first cutting machine I ever owned, and I truly enjoyed making little projects with it. If you want to know even more about this little machine, here's a great blog I found that goes over all the details:

http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craft-product-review-slice-elite-by-making-memories/

Pros:

Glass Cutting Mat. Just clean off and re-stick with adhesive, virtually forever.

Rechargeable Battery. You could travel with the Slice easily, and move around freely. The battery lasted for quite awhile before needed to be plugged in, and you could still create while charging.

Cut well for it's size.

Fabric cutting!

Design cards were the size of an SD card, so easily stored anywhere.

Much less expensive than competitors at the time.

Cons:

The 4in limit. It was a great machine for cards, scrapbooking, & quilt making, but not much else.

2 layers max, all from design cards like this, & this.

Even in it's popularity parts & tools, like new blades, the "draw" markers, even additional design cards, were hard to find.

As I mentioned above the Cricut is my favorite. I think this is mainly because of the enormous versatility, especially with the Explore One being my third machine. It was a huge leap forward (up) from the Slice, or the Sizzix. I was using it for years and really got to know the in's & outs of the machine & software long before getting the Silhouette. I personally found the Silhouette a bit hard to learn, and distracting loud, so I rarely use it. 

I hope you enjoyed my pro/con list! Which machine(s) do you use? Let me know in the comments below!

Machines I don't/haven't owned, and my opinions on them:

Siser Romeo & Juliet~

In my opinion they we just late too the game. Both the 12in and 24in machines seem to stack up in comparing them to others on the marker, but they're fairly new. The others have been around for decades. Leonardo, their version of Design Space:

It has all the features you'd need, plus some. I could see it being a great machine for those with a small business. Maybe a bit overwhelming for the beginner hobby crafter. Overall it seems like a stand up machine. I don't love the look of it, but that's just being nitpicky. Why don't I have one? It doesn't fill a need for me, and currently I only have the Joy with me since we're FT van living now. (How many die cutting machines does one person really need?)

Starcraft Solo~

This one, I don't know much about. A few craft influencers on YouTube talked about how great it was, and they all did a few videos with it, and never mentioned it again. It remains "sold out" at most online retailers (the only place it's available). I, when it was being presented abundantly on YouTube, thought the whole thing looked confusing, was too big, and was too new for me to want one. It just wasn't for me.

Brothers Scan & Cut~

Admittedly, for me this machine just looks old. Similar to a Cricut Expression, mixed with a sewing machine. I do know that those who have this machine, and it's seemingly not hugely popular, absolutely love it. The whole scan aspect does intrigue me, and I'd like to see one of these in action. (Not enough to buy one, though they are cheaper than any competitor.)

Was there any machines I missed (other than pro level)? Let me know!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

I am a horrible blogger, but I do catch up!

 Hey Y'all!

You read the title, right??!

I'm not keeping up well with this as we travel. I'd promise to do better, but I don't want to be a liar, lol.

6th Mon- Is Cricut Failing?

In my opinion, no. They have their faults, for sure. However they stay at the top for a reason.  I think brand recognition, as well as innovation play a roll in this.

https://cricut.com/blog/the-making-of-the-cricut-brand/

Everyone, especially crafters, has at least heard of a Cricut product. They've also been around long enough to have that brand loyalty. 

I, as well as a vocal minority, wish they'd quit with the new things (looking at you multi hundred dollar lamp ) and truly focus on working the kinks out of Design Space instead. That said they do have some of the better customer service/customer relations around, and they seem to listen to the things the customer base wants (larger & smaller machines) and they make it happen.

I've never had an issue with the brands tools, or vinyl. I do like some other brands better, but Cricut is easy to find almost anywhere. I have however, noticed that changing, and the Cricut section at mass retailers is shrinking. As most retailers just say it's a "business decision" one can only speculate why. My thought is that most of these companies now have there own line of products, so why compete with themselves, and therefore they're carrying less Cricut branded items. 

I think the future for Cricut is still bright. What are your thoughts? Share in the comments below!

8th Wed- Get Ready With Me

Another fail. But to try and save myself there's a DITL video over on Outland Adventures YouTube page, it's the newest video.

10th Fri- Swapping Out Clothes, Storage Unit Check In

So we did the storage unit flip of clothes the other day while back in town, We also straightened it up a bit, as well as swapped out sheets and blankets. Did I film or take a picture of any of it? Nope. It's still as jam packed as it was in this video... Maybe even more so if you can believe it.

Thanks for putting up with me.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

May Blog Schedule

 Hey Y'all!

So, our plan for May?

Another Doctor's appointment, with my primary. So we are slowly headed back to NE Tennessee. Currently we've made it back to Southeast TN, and are spending a few days here. Then the doc. After that, Kentucky. It's a state we've been through countless times, but never really explored much. (Other than Cumberland Gap National Park.)

The end of June is my next scan, and I see my oncology team early July- so we'll be in TN for a few weeks... then we're heading north, 'cause it's getting hot in the south.

But anyhow, May's Schedule:

3rd Fri-May Blog Schedule

6th Mon- Is Cricut Failing?

8th Wed- Get Ready With Me

10th Fri- Swapping Out Clothes, Storage Unit Check In

13th Mon- Other Cutting Machines, And MY Opinions On Them

15th Wed- Get UnReady With Me

17th Fri- Life Updates!

20th Mon- Color With Me (Adult Coloring Book)

22nd Wed- Chris' Daily Routine

24th Fri- Books! What I've Read This Month

27th Mon- Crafting in a Van

29th Wed- Where are the Makeup Looks?!?!

31st Fri- June Blog Schedule

I could use your blog ideas, so feel free to leave them in a comment below!

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

Books I've Read Lately

 Hey Y'all!!

So many books this past month or so. But first, do travel guides count? LOL. I've read my fair share of travel guides, pamphlets, leaflets, etc. From all sorts of attractions and locations. Some more informative than others.

Also I've read these books:

I picked this one up in a Goodwill in KY, I liked Busy Philipps in Dawson's Creek, and I loved Freaks & Geeks (it really should have gone further).

This Will Only Hurt A Little, Busy Philipps

I read it in a couple days, and actually really enjoyed it. Who doesn't love peeking in to someone elses life a bit, especially a celeb.

A hilarious, heartfelt, and refreshingly honest memoir and New York Times bestseller by the beloved comedic actress known for her roles on Freaks and Geeks, Dawson’s Creek, and Cougar Town who has become “the breakout star of Instagram stories...Imagine I Love Lucy mixed with a modern lifestyle guru” (The New Yorker).

There’s no stopping Busy Philipps. From the time she was two and “aced out in her nudes” to explore the neighborhood (as her mom famously described her toddler jailbreak), Busy has always been headstrong, defiant, and determined not to miss out on all the fun. These qualities led her to leave Scottsdale, Arizona, at the age of nineteen to pursue her passion for acting in Hollywood. But much like her painful and painfully funny teenage years, chasing her dreams wasn’t always easy and sometimes hurt more than a little.

In a memoir “that often reads like a Real World confessional or an open diary” (Kirkus Reviews), Busy opens up about chafing against a sexist system rife with on-set bullying and body shaming, being there when friends face shattering loss, enduring devastating personal and professional betrayals from those she loved best, and struggling with postpartum anxiety and the challenges of motherhood.

But Busy also brings to the page her sly sense of humor and the unshakeable sense that disappointment shouldn’t stand in her way—even when she’s knocked down both figuratively and literally (from a knee injury at her seventh-grade dance to a violent encounter on the set of Freaks and Geeks). The rough patches in her life are tempered by times of hilarity and joy: leveraging a flawless impression of Cher from Clueless into her first paid acting gig, helping reinvent a genre with cult classic Freaks and Geeks, becoming fast friends with Dawson’s Creek castmate Michelle Williams, staging her own surprise wedding, conquering natural childbirth with the help of a Mad Men–themed hallucination, and of course, how her Instagram stories became “the most addictive thing on the internet right now” (Cosmopolitan).

Busy is the rare entertainer whose impressive arsenal of talents as an actress is equally matched by her storytelling ability, sense of humor, and sharp observations about life, love, and motherhood—“if you think you know Busy from her Instagram stories, you don’t know the half of it” (Jenni Konner). Her conversational writing reminds us what we love about her on screens large and small. From “candid tales of celebrity life, mom life, and general Busy-ness” (W Magazine), This Will Only Hurt a Little “is everything we’ve been dying to hear about” (Bustle).

Next, I got out the kindle and started the Dorothy Must Die series, by Danielle Paige, so far I'm only part way through book two, but I am liking these. I wasn't sure I would since I am a fan of the original. These are good so far. 

The New York Times bestselling first book in a dark series that reimagines the Oz saga, from debut author Danielle Paige. Start at the beginning and discover your new series to binge!

My name is Amy Gumm—and I'm the other girl from Kansas. I've been recruited by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked. I've been trained to fight. And I have a mission: Remove the Tin Woodman's heart. Steal the Scarecrow's brain. Take the Lion's courage. And—Dorothy must die.

I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be some kind of hero. But when your whole life gets swept up by a tornado—taking you with it—you have no choice but to go along, you know?

Sure, I've read the books. I've seen the movies. I know the song about the rainbow and the happy little blue birds. But I never expected Oz to look like this. To be a place where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys, and winged monkeys can be executed for acts of rebellion. There's still a road of yellow brick—but even that's crumbling.

What happened? Dorothy. They say she found a way to come back to Oz. They say she seized power and the power went to her head. And now no one is safe.

While the Dorothy books are good, the kindle was dead, so I moved on to...

An Ollie's find. All the Bridgerton prequels (written by Julia Quinn)! (For $3 each.)

I'm on book three and it's been 4 days.. I love historical romance.

These are the same family, the Bridgertons, but for me it's unknown how far removed from the Netflix family from the original series of books. (I've not read them, but I've seen the show.) They really more follow the Rokesby family than the Bridgertons however they are intertwined...

From book one:

Sometimes you find love in the most unexpected of places....

This is not one of those times.

Everyone expects Billie Bridgerton to marry one of the Rokesby brothers. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, and as a child the tomboyish Billie ran wild with Edward and Andrew. Either one would make a perfect husband...someday.

Sometimes you fall in love with exactly the person you think you should....

Or not.

There is only one Rokesby Billie absolutely cannot tolerate, and that is George. He may be the eldest and heir to the earldom, but he's arrogant and annoying, and she's absolutely certain he detests her. Which is perfectly convenient, as she can't stand the sight of him, either.

But sometimes fate has a wicked sense of humor....

Because when Billie and George are quite literally thrown together, a whole new sort of sparks begins to fly. And when these lifelong adversaries finally kiss, they just might discover that the one person they can't abide is the one person they can't live without..

That's it... now I'm going to finish book three.

Have a great day,

Craftin' Wife

A No Blog Blog

 Y'all....

I do have a lot to share Friday. In-between adventures, I've done a lot of reading. That's the positive side...

I haven't, however, crafted a bit. So there is no using the Cricut Joy blog to share (Monday). Nor have I worn makeup, at all, this month- other than sunscreen and lip balm (Wednesday). Sometimes it was tinted! 

Forgive me,

CWC