Woozy Crafting

Several days ago I had oral surgery and have been on painkillers ever since - until today, that is.  Today I allow my bloodstream to detox so I won't be all wonky at work tomorrow (I really wasn't staring at you, Lora, it was the drugs!).

As a general rule, I don't like to post anything I've written while on any type of drug that makes me woozy.  And I didn't realize how long I'd need to stay on medication, as I thought I'd be fine by the next day (so, so wrong).  Since I woke up today without pain in my jaw, I decided it's time to wish everyone a happy Valentine's, write about what I've been up to this week (while in recovery) and let you know that Craftsy is having a Valentine's Day sale that you should absolutely check out if you think there's even a remote chance that you'll pick up crocheting, knitting, cake decorating, sewing, etcetera within the next few years.

Thanks to this sale, I've already purchased Crafty Crochet Embellishments and Amigurumi: Design Your Own Monster.  I started the embellishment class last night because I just finished a scarf and want to add a flower to it...this sounds really weird coming from me, just so you know.  Damn you, crafting!

Anyway, when I was trying to learn how to make structural crochet flowers via random YouTube videos this week, I was thinking it was pretty hard.  But the way the Craftsy class is taught, you really only need to know four stitches: single crochet (sc), half-double crochet (hdc), double crochet (dc) and how to do a slip stitch (sl st).  Patterns and diagrams come with the class, but when I start something new, I'm better watching someone else while doing the project (and Craftsy classes are easy to pause, have a 30 second repeat button and allow you to put your own notes in the video), just at the start.  Yup, I'm totally backward.  But it works for me.


So, this past week I've blocked one finished scarf (first time blocking); started, finished and blocked a second scarf; started learning embellishments so I can adorn the latter; and learned how to emboss paper using rubber stamps, inkpads, embossing powder and a directional heat tool.  I have long been a collector of cards and paper for correspondence and have spent far too much money on that collection.  Since I already had most of the materials, it seemed like it would be less expensive to create my own, not to mention a more productive use of my time than organizing random cards and stationery.

This goes back to the idea, once again, that the best way to find and/or show your own style and creativity is to learn how to make whatever you can on your own.  It is also why I started Uncrafty - to first prove to myself that with the right motivation I can learn some of these crafts, then to show other people who are unsure about their own talent that it is worth finding out if you like any of this stuff.

I have discovered that I suck at gardening and baking, but I really like crocheting and making my own stationery.  I'm still undecided on knitting and sewing and I need to get back into cooking again.

A year ago, I only knew how to cook.  And until a few months ago, I wasn't so sure about my future with crochet.  Sometimes you have to put something down and come back to it later.  I assure you that I've found it to be well worth the trouble so far.

Bzz Bzz Bzz

There are some nights when I can't sleep because there are too many thoughts zipping around in my head.

I'll try to read in bed, but find that I'm traveling down a different road of thought than what is on the page.  And then another one intervenes.  And another.  And another.  They might be somewhat related, but they're aren't in line enough to work well together.  It's like my brain is filled with buzzing coming from too many different places, bzz bzz bzzes colliding in mid air.

That is when I know that I need to write.  And when I sit down to do so I don't use any kind of format because this kind of mental disorganization needs to be documented as is, so it can be sorted out later.  It's certainly not going to allow any sorting beforehand.

Sometimes I feel like paper and ink.  Sometimes I want the rhythm of clacking keys (as much as they "clack" anymore) to keep me company.  Either way, I let word after word flow out of me, even if they don't go together.  I ignore grammar and punctuation, which I'm usually such a snob about.  I write for the sake of emptying my head and I write until I have no energy left.

And then I sleep soundly.

If I haven't figured it out by the time I'm that tired, at least my mind doesn't feel like it's full of bees anymore.  

   

Rodan+Fields Skincare & Freeness

I count myself pretty lucky in the world of cosmetics right now.  Not only do I work part-time for one of my favorite companies, but I now know someone who is a Rodan+Fields rep.  I've been hearing about their products for a long while and was so excited when Andi offered to send me some samples.

Rodan+Fields Anti-Age Lip Renewing Serum 


Glide this lovely serum onto lips for a smooth, plump, moisturized pucker without any stickiness.  This is part of Rodan+Fields' anti-aging line and though I don't have wrinkles around my mouth yet, my upper lip (which has thinned out a bit) was a bit more shapely after using it.  I only used it at night, but it's tempting to carry some capsules around with you to keep your pout looking great at all times.


Rodan+Fields Anti-Age Night Renewing Serum

This is a potent serum that those of us with large pores won't want to do without, thanks to the skin-plumping ingredients it contains: "a potent, proprietary blend of peptides and retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and visibly increase skin firmness." My favorite thing about this product is that it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin.  Try this for firmer, plumper, more radiant skin.

Rodan+Fields Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste

Even though it clearly says on the packaging that this isn't intended for sensitive skin, I had to try it out. I applied it on part of my jawline, which didn't hurt (and I added plenty of water to make it more gentle, per Andi's instructions).  It left my skin super soft and silky, and I really wanted to use it all over my face, but I held off just in case.  Unfortunately, I didn't experience a bit of redness after a while (though nothing like the redness and irritation I've experienced from some products that claim to be especially for sensitive skin!).  So, for those of you with sensitivity, don't be a dope, actually heed the warnings.  However, if you don't experience any sensitivity, I can vouch for the awesomeness of this product for smoothing skin.



Rodan+Fields Anti-Age Multi-Function Eye Cream

By far, my favorite product that I got a chance to sample.  It feels just glorious on the super sensitive skin around my eyes.  I wanted to slather it all over my face, but I resisted.  This cream looks really thick, but it melts right into skin and truly improved my puffy eyes.

Now that I've seen how these products work, I'm really curious about their Soothe regimen.  I love what I'm using now to relieve irritation and inflammation, but I'm always looking for more sensitive-skin solutions.  I'm also pleased to see that this line is promoting Vitamin D supplements, as Vitamin D-deficiency is pretty prevalent right now (what with us not spending as much time out of doors and using tons of sunscreen).

You can get a free sample of a mini facial from Andi by emailing her at andib.randf@yahoo.com.  If you become a preferred customer, mention that you read about Rodan+Fields on LostGirls and you can get a sample of the eye cream I gushed about above (along with 10% off, free shipping and being spoiled by Andi personally - how can you resist?).