Just wanted to say...

Hope everybody has a safe and Happy New Year. See ya'll in 2009!

xoxo,

Amanda

Merry Christmas!

I hope Santa brings everyone what they want. Have a safe and joyous holiday.

xoxo,

Amanda

Oh The Insanity

So I realize I haven't posted much on here lately. Life has been absolutely crazy. A lot has happened in the last month or so that has caused my life to take a 180.

Remember my posts on PCOS? I went to The Center for Polycsystic Ovarian Syndrome that Jess Cumbie raved about. They sent me for blood work and the results came back that I have Diabetes and Hypothyroidism. Both are borderline. I was sent to see my GP and she put me on Metformin and Synthroid. She also wanted to put me on Actos. Well I started taking that last week and on Wednesday I started to itch all over my body. I didn't have any marks or anything just uncontrollable itching. So I called my doctor and told her and she said to stop taking it for a week and then start again. So I will start that again tomorrow morning and let you know later how that works out.

I also went to the dietitian. She put me on a low glycemic index diet. Which is really interesting. The Glycemic Index is based on carbs that raise your blood sugar. I can eat anything on it that has an index below 60, which means that it doesn't raise your blood sugar too much. I was surprised to see some of the foods that I can eat. Like cheese pizza, chicken nuggets and even candy bars. But the candy bars can only be eaten sparingly. Because of the empty calories. I also have to control my portions and eat 6 small meals a day. I find that to be really hard. I don't like to stop my busy day to eat a snack. But of course, I don't mind eating when I'm bored. lol. But I am learning to eat the right foods and to make better decisions. My first goal is to loose 12 pounds, 1-2 pounds a week. I am in my 4th week and I think I have reached my goal. I haven't weighed myself in a couple of days but I know I have lost at least 10 pounds. Go me! lol. I go back for a check up tomorrow afternoon. So we will see for sure where I am at and what my next goal is. I have also had to write down everything I have eaten. I mean everything. So hopefully she doesn't get too disappointed in my with the occasional slip. But there hasn't been too many of them. Oh, I almost forgot I have completely cut out Sprite. And that is soooo hard for me since I am addicted to the stuff. I have been meaning to try Sprite Zero to see if I like the taste but I have my doubts. Ok need to stop talking about that cause I really want one now. :)

I also have a doctors appointment tomorrow to do an ultra sound on my right breast. I have a mass that has been there for years and my old OBGYN wasn't too concerned about it. He just said that we need to watch it. Well I went to a new doc and she wants to make sure. I am sure it is nothing but keep you fingers crossed just in case.

I am also supposed to be exercising 3 times a week for 20 minutes. But not for weight loss purposes just for the whole heart healthy purpose. With having PCOS it is hard to loose weight and exercise does not do much for me. I haven't really started a routine yet since I have been super busy moving. Which was a hard core workout in itself.

Ahhh. Moving. That leads me into the drama. lol. My boyfriend of 4 1/2 years, Jack and I have broken up. It has been in the making for a long time now. I wasn't really happy with his habits. Not to say I am perfect, but I just couldn't take it anymore. I know there is someone out there that will make me feel like I am the only one that matters, someone that I can also feel the same way about. My fairytale is out there somewhere. Hopefully. But for now, I will just be me. Well me and Roxy. I got to keep her. Jack got the turtles. Which I will miss dearly. But it is for the best. It is hard for me to keep them clean by myself. I am going to focus on myself and get my life in order and where I want to be. I moved in with my Aunt Angie for now. I have only been there for 3 days now so I am still adjusting and getting settled in. She isn't charging me a whole lot so I get to save some mula up so I can get on my feet. It is also helping her out a lot. It has been hard for me the last week. It is a big adjustment. You live with someone for so long you get used to doing certain things together and having a routine. Well that has been totally wiped away and I am still figuring out how to be just me. But I can do it. I am strong.

Well with all these health problems and breaking up and moving that brings me to An Occasional Design. Yeah the whole reason for this blog. My business. My outlet. Unfortunately, with moving in with my Aunt I also lost an office so it will be hard to continue doing what I do. But I am not giving up completely. I am actually working on a whole new restructuring of the business. New logo. New designs. New everything for a new me. I will be focusing on more digital work than handmade items. I am going to really tap into my graphic design background and take charge with as much creativeness as possible. I can't wait to get things rolling. Don't forget to check back for some updates and sneak peeks. Also, I wanted to give all my Myspace buddies a heads up as to why I haven't been on too much lately. It's because I have been blocked from Myspace and Facebook and my "day" job. No, it wasn't me being logged in all day that caused the block. It was a company wide block that spans over the country so I am sure I was not the only one abusing their privileges. However, I do still check everything. So keep sending me some love. I need it. lol. I can also still access my email. So, if you wanna chat. Hit me up!

Oh. I also wanted everyone to know that I officially have 6 months left in college and I got straight As last quarter. Woo-hoo.

Well, know that i have written a short novel about my last couple of months. I will go now. Remember that this is not the last of me. Keep checking back for An Occasional Design. ;)

xoxo,
Amanda

Freshly Minted

I have entered my first contest ever on Minted.com. I am super excited about this challenge and I need everybody to go out and vote for my designs. The challenge were Save the Date cards for 3 special couples. I chose Aly and Joey because they inspired me the most. Soooo what are you waiting for? Go vote! Hint: My designs are on page 9! Here's what you are looking for...

Happy Birthday Jack

Well it's a little late. Jack celebrated his 27Th Birthday on November 21st. And here is the card that I made for him. I think I will call it The Celebration. Let me know what you think!

Introducing...

I am excited to reveal my new collection....

The Hunter Collection

I designed these for my new baby second cousin. My cousin April and her boyfriend Andrew welcomed Hunter into the world on October 30th. He is such a cutie patootie. The first piece in the collection is the Baby Shower Invitation. This invite is sure to impress your guests and get them in the baby mood with it's baby blue diaper complete with a diaper pin.





The next piece is the Announcement. Let everyone know your bundle of joy is here, especially the family out of town. They will rave about how cute the photos of the new addition is hanging on the clothesline with clothespin embellishments.



Both of these pieces will be cherished for many years to come. And of course, they can be adjusted for a new little princess too! As always, I am open to making your design your very own.

Congrats April and Andrew!

Let me know what ya'll think!

I have been tagged!

I have been tagged by Simply Exquisite Events. So that means I get to share 7 random facts about me that you may or may not know! Well here it goes...

1. Alarm clocks don't wake me up. Jack will make a small noise when the alrm clock goes off and then I will hit snooze. lol.

2. I'm craving fried pickles at the moment and no I am not prego!

3. I saw pellow instead of pillow. I get made fun of but I can't help it.

4. I can't stand repitition. I do not need to hear the same story five times in five minutes.

5. I want to quite my job and work on An Occasional Design full time. Anyone want to finance that?

6. I would love to live in a live/work community. You know, live upstairs and have a boutique downstairs. That would be awesome!

7. I am almost finished with my degree and I'm not sure if I want to use it. Eeeek!

Now, who will I tage... Hmmm. Let's see. I think it will be....

NFC Photography and Makeup

Kreative Photography

Favor It Party Ideas


Have FUN!

Jewelry Show

I am having another Jewelry Show this Saturday so that called for some awesome invites. I used some Premier Designs Jewelry boxes that I had from previous shows to hold the details in. Let me know what ya'll think. And if you are in the Jax area and want to kick it with me and look at some great jewelry then message me. This will be the last show I am going to have for a while. I'd love to have you!

The Premier Invite

Still have a Coke Addiction...

Yes, it's true. I'm still addicted and I have found 2 more things that are must haves for my collection. Both are available through mycokerewards.com. So if you happened to drink Coke products and don't use the rewards for yourself I would appreciate it soo sooo soooo much if you send them my way!

Stupid pics are in flash and I can't find it on the web so here click the link to look at it!

Coca-Cola Hinged Holiday Bottle

Coca-Cola Santa Print

Need lots and lots of points to get these so PLEASE HELP! lol.

Thanks!

The Deck the Halls Collection

Ok so Christmas is right around the corner! It's about time to start sending out Christmas Cards and boy do I have the collection for you. The Deck the Halls Collection are a series of 4 handmade designs that will make your family and friends feel all warm inside when they get one in the mail. And you can not beat the price. $25.00 plus shipping for 20 handmade cards. Hurry up and order now so their will be plenty of time to get them out. Remember they are handmade and that takes time. Cutoff date for ordering will be December 12th! I also offer a mail out service for a small extra fee. All you have to do is give me a typed list of the recipients and voila. I know, it's magic. Like Santa Clause! Here's what they look like.... Let me know what you think.

Planetfest 9

Who's going to Planetfest 9? I hope everybody that is in the Jacksonville area is. I am. I'll be there helping out Breaking Tradition Studios with their booth. Stop by and check them out and enter their photo contest and grab a sticker. It's November 8 at Met Park!



Oh and be sure to ad BT on Myspace so you don't miss out on their awesomeness!

NAS Air Show 2008

Jack and I went to the air show at NAS Jax and let me tell you about our experience. We went Sunday afternoon. We figured we'd be get there just in time for the Blue Angels because we didn't want to stay the whole day. Boy, was that a mistake. After sitting on the Buckman Bridge for 45 minutes we finally made it into the gate. We parked and started walking and walking and walking. We finally get to a parking lot and then they tell us they weren't letting anybody else in because the Blue Angels were about to start. What? So we kinda hang out in the parking lot along the runway for a few minutes along with everybody else. Then we hear that we can get into the other gate but we have to walk around. They closed the one we were at because it was the staging area. So we proceed to walk around to the other gate. About 3 miles later we finally get there. At this point I am so exhausted I feel like I was going to pass out. Why they had to put the staging area between a parking lot with the no food, water or bathrooms and the gate is beyond me. But I wasn't the only happy camper. Let me add that while we are hiking our way to the gate the Blue Angels are doing there thing so we got to see what we could through the buildings. We did catch the tail end of the show and got a few good pics. After our oohs and aahs we walked around and looked at all the air crafts and then it was time to head on back. I thought I was going to die!!!!! I swear it was like 10 miles. Did I mention I had flip flops on and the sun was beaming right on down my forehead! Of course Jack just seemed all fine and dandy. I guess that shows you who works in the heat all day and who sits at a desk and types blogs. lol. By the time we got back to the car I latterly fell into it. I told Jack that I better had lost 10 pounds with all this walking but noooo not a darn pound. Errr. So that it my experience at the base. It definitely wasn't as good as the last visit about 9 years ago. But that's another story for another day...maybe. ;)

Here's a few of the pics we got.







I love this shot!

The Baby Patchwork

I made this card for my cousin April for her baby shower. She recently had Hunter and he is such a little cutie! Stay tuned for "The Hunter Collection."

Better late than never!

I have been so super busy that I haven't had much time to post all the things that I've been wanting to. Well Roxy had her first birthday on October 15th and of course Jack and I had to do a little something special for out baby girl! And of course I had to make her a card! We also bought her a doggie birthday cake. I found The Gourmet Dog online in my search for dog friendly birthday cakes. And then I realized I saw them at a craft show not to far back. Roxy loved her cake. It was so cute with the little pink writing on it. And the box, oh how I adored the box! And Roxy had fun opening it too. Oh, and did I mention that they are local to Jacksonville and they delivered right to my work! How awesome is that! Well here is the pic of the card and a few of Roxy with it and her cake. If you have a furry friend that has a birthday coming up, you most definitely have to order a card from me and a cake from The Gourmet Dog!


The Roxy (The paper design matches her collar!)

Hurry, Offer Ends Friday!!!!

The Special Introductory for The Inspiration Book is ending soon! They are $15.00 until Friday. After that they will be $20.00!

~Custom Designed
~Durable Cover
~8 1/2" X 5"
~110 Blank Pages
~Great for:
Journals
School Notes
Record Keeping
Ideas and Inspirations
Recipe Book
Sketch Book
Wedding Planning
Anything that inspires you!
~Makes great gifts!!!

You can also win one by reposting this blog. You will be entered into a drawing that will take place once I hit 300 Myspace friends! See this post for more details.

Tis' The Season

It's almost that time of the year!!! The Holidays! Yay! And I have some new invites to reveal just in time. "The Gift of Love" would be perfect for a wedding around Christmas but it can also be a great invite to your annual Christmas Party! "The Silver Lining" was created with the New Year in mind. Perfect for a New Year's Eve Wedding or any other soiree!

The Gift of Love



The Silver Lining





As usual, comments are welcome and looked forward to!

Remember that first ever Inspiration Board I mentioned in a previous post....well here it is. I am currently in the design process for a new Wedding Invitation. It will be called The Sweet Heart and will be perfect for those Valentine Weddings! Although, I am designing it with as a Wedding Invitation, it can be multi-functional. It would also make a great Valentine's Day Card or an Invitation to a private soiree! Here are a few things that have inspired me...



Photos from left to right: Fleming-Joffe Red Heels, Valentine's Day Chocolates, Chinese Tapestry Votive Candle, Wedding Dress, Wedding Cupcakes, Reception Room.

Remember, comments are always welcome!

xoxo,
Amanda

Drum Roll Please!!!

A few weeks ago I realized I had a problem...I had sticky notes everywhere, mostly shoved into my purse to be forgotten. Anytime I had an idea or needed to remember something I'd write it on a sticky note! I then searched for a solution and that is when I came up with The Inspiration Book...My newest product! I am in love with it. No more sea of yellow overtaking my purse! lol!

The Inspiration Book can be used for just about anything. Diary, Notes for school, Sketchbook, Ideas, Inspirations, whatever your heart desires! It measures 8 1/2" X 5", has 110 blank pages and has a durable hard cover. The front, back and dedication page can be customized to meet your needs and reflect your style. It also makes great gift!

The Inspiration Book will be going for $20.00. However, for a limited time only the special Introductory Price will be $15.00!!! Wow, you don't want to miss that! The Introductory price will end October 31, 2008.









I almost forgot to mention that you can win The Inspiration Book too! Just visit my blog on MySpace for more info!

More Coke Addiction

Last week I was browsing the web for some inspiration on a new Wedding Invitation (first ever inspiration board coming soon) and I came across this absolutely wonderful idea for favors. It is soooo me! If I EVER have a wedding I am def going to incorporate Coca-cola some how...whether like this or some other rad idea I come up. I do have along time to dream, ya know!



Don't you just love it?!? I found this on Dream Wedding on a Budget's Blog. I also found some other great things from there and I am know a stalker. lol.

xoxo,
Amanda

Roxy Star at Dogtoberfest!

What a fun day. Jack, Roxy and I went to Dogtoberfest sponsored by First Coast No More Homeless Pets today. We had so much fun. Roxy got to dress up as an 80's Punk Rockstar! She looked so cute. Rockstar is her nickname, well that and variations like Roxy Star. We made everything from the tutu to the t-shirt to the leg warmers! Well okay we didn't make her beaded necklace and scrunchie to tie the side of the t-shirt with but ya know what I mean. She had her own little couture Halloween costume. She loved it! She also got sooo many good treats and toys. She will be set for a very long time.


Jack and Roxy participated in Klinger's Big Guy with Small Dog Parade. OMG there were some really cute itty bitty dogs! Check out Planet Radio 107.3 website tomorrow for some pics and I believe you will be seeing Roxy and Jack in the Florida Times Union. Not sure. Possibly on Jacksonville.com too.


We also entered her into the costume contest. She was in the Best Girls and the Most Original Costume categories. She didn't win either but she is a winner in our eyes! :) We had a blast making the costume and at the event. She is so spoiled but she is our little Rockstar!

Ahhh, Decisions Decisions

So I had my appointment with the PCOS specialist yesterday. It went pretty well except for the fact that I was presented with a tough decision to make.

Let me start by saying the staff was really nice. The nurse took me in and took my vitals and picture. Yeah, picture, that was a new one for me. They didn't leave me waiting around forever, which most doctors do. I didn't have to get undressed and sit awkwardly wearing paper on a cold table until the doc finally had time. Yesterday's appointment was more of a consultation. He discussed the symptoms of PCOS and what I was experiencing and why I was experiencing them. Then we discussed my options in treatment...

The options were based on whether I want to get pregnant or not. Both options include going back on Metformin, which will help with insulin resistance and ultimately help me loose weight. The good news is he prescribed me a different kind that is supposed to be less harsh on my stomach. If I don't want to get pregnant then he will also put me on birth control and a medication for my skin problems. This medication reduces the testosterone in the body so I can absolutely not get pregnant no matter what on this because it will cause birth defects in little boys. Def don't want that! If I do want to get pregnant then he will put me on a oral fertility drug and we wouldn't be able to treat the skin problem which is completely cosmetic. The other option I have is to just walk the line. Take only the Metformin and hope that it will also help with the skin condition and and help with getting pregnant without doubling the chances and the possibility of multiple births.

So, as you see my possibilities are pretty narrow. Right now I am going to walk the line. My mentality on the pregnancy issue is "if it happens, it happens." I don't want to stop it from happening, but I don't know if I am ready to actively make it happen now! And I am not sure that Jack is. I mean we have been together for 4 1/2 years but we are not married nor do there seem to be signs of that happening soon and we are going through a bit of a rough patch. Ugh. So I am getting very frustrated thinking about this. I hate to walk the line because that means that other issues are not being focused on and I hate to just see what happens. Dammit I want to know what happens! I suppose I could go the route of not getting pregnant and focus on me and then a year or longer down the road I could go off the medication and then start trying. But I feel like I am getting old. Haha. I know I am only 24 but waiting a year or more would put me at 25, 26... oh lord that is just too close to 30, and for me that just seems to old to start having kids. And then who even knows how long it will take to get pregnant. What if the pills don't work, what if I have to keep trying all of the other options. That could take years and I don't want to be old and pregnant!

And then of course, I could always go ahead and do the kid thing and then focus on other issues afterwards. Which seems logical. I mean if I focused on me first and then kids, the conditions could come back while I am "trying" and then I would have to do it all over again. And plus I wouldn't expose my body to those medications and then there will be no chance that it could even be a factor in the health of my children. Of course, I would be off the medication for a while before I even start to try. But am I ready to have kids...better question are WE ready have kids??? Ughhh. My head is spinning. So many points. I could argue either way to I am blue in the face!

But for now I suppose I walk the line until I, I mean we, figure it out. I have to go back for blood work and some prenatal test to make sure I am healthy enough to have kids. But they want me to come back while it's that time of the month. Yeah I know...I can see the bitchiness that day has to hold. Oh and I can't even start the Metformin until after the blood work. I was also prescribed a prenatal vitamin just in case I do become pregnant while walking the line. My next appointment with the doc will be in 2 months. So maybe the results of the blood work will help with some decisions. Maybe a fairy godmother will come in and make my decisions for me! haha! Fat chance. I girl can dream, can't she?

The Autumn and The Aiden

Remember how I said I've been making alot of cards lately, heres some more...

The Autumn

The Aiden

Let me know what ya think!

The Shane

I have been working on several cards lately. It seems as there are lots of babies being born these days. Shane Ashton Reaves was born on October 2. Weighing all of 7 lbs 8oz, he is such a cutie. Shane is the third child for both Shawn and Ashley, making him the 5th for The Reaves Bunch. And he sure is going to be a handful. Ashley is my long time friend so this card was from me personally.

With out further ado....The Shane.

Friendship Drawing

Friendship Drawing

Help An Occasional Design reach 300 friends on MySpace!

www.myspace.com/anoccasionaldesign

An Occasional Design specializes in custom handmade invitations and other paper products. Each invitation is made with the love and care that it deserves. The designs will make your guests not be able to wait to come to your event. It will give them an excitement after seeing how much thought was put into each and every piece. From weddings, bridal showers, baby showers to birthdays, An Occasional Design will be happy to work with you on any occasion.

Each time you do one of the following you will be entered into the drawing:

~Repost this bulletin.

~Post this bulletin on your blog.

~Post the banner in a bulletin.

~Post the banner on your blog.

~Post the banner on your profile.

~Add me as a friend.

~Add me to your top friends.

~A new friends tells me you sent them.

~Any other way you can think of to let others know about me.

Once you do one of these just leave a comment on my blog or message me that you did it.

Drawing will be held once I reach 300 friends.

1st Place Prize- 20 Handmade Custom Note Cards ($50 value)

2nd Place Prize- Handmade Custom Notepad (New Item that will debut soon)

3rd Place Prize- 2 Handmade Custom Holiday Cards


Reply to this poster to get image code.
Thanks so much everyone.

Amanda
An Occasional Design