Inspiration

I am participating in the Blogging From A-Z Challenge. Each day in April (except the last 4 Sundays), I will post topic themes that begin with the letters of the alphabet, from A-Z. Today's letter is I.

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After the success of my pinterest-inspired deviled chicks & smeeps, as well as the myriad of other crafts & things I've found on that site, I think today is the perfect day to share a few of my favorite pins.  Each of these have inspired me to either cook, craft, or just improve my attitude in some way.  If you feel so inclined, you're welcome to share some of your favorites in the comments section so I can check them out, too.  

Original pin source

This one is a book bag that inspired a fundraising idea.  As I've mentioned before, there is a local non-profit called Rogue Book Exchange. I volunteer there 2-3 days a week & am basically in love w/ that place.  Lately I've been kicking around the idea of making a few of these bags so I can sell them & donate the proceeds to RBE.  I can't sew to save my life, but there are several places to buy plain canvas totes for relatively cheap.  All I'd have to do is come up w/ a nifty way to do the lettering & transfer it onto the bags.  There is even the possibility of starting a zazzle account & letting people order that way, but I want to try my hand at making them myself first.

Original pin source

I posted this saying on my weight loss inspiration board.  It reminds me that I'm a work-in-progress & to forgive myself for not being perfect all the time.  I'm not real great at taking it easy on myself, so sometimes it's good to be reminded that I'm far from what I once was, even if I'm not where I want to be.  I have no trouble eating healthy these days, but I have not exercised much since I hurt my hips a couple months ago.  Looking at my weight loss board makes me want to jump back into the swing of things & see how far it takes me.

Original pin source

This pin inspired me to make a gift for someone else.  I've always loved the look of photos on canvas, but if you have them made, they are expensive.  When I first pinned this, I assumed it would be something I'd make for myself some day.  However, a random act of kindness was bestowed upon my little fam, so I made a photo canvas as a token of our gratitude.  Since then, I've made a couple more b/c they're the perfect gift.  Maybe one of these days I'll make one of my own. :)

Original pin source

This beautiful little green monster inspired a huge shift in the eating habits of me & my little fam.  My kiddo will only eat a select few vegetables, so I'm always interested in ways to sneak some veggies into her diet.   The first few times I made it, Trin had no idea there was spinach in it.  Once she professed her love for these smoothies, I didn't bother trying to hide the leafy green goodness.  Even though the jig is up, she still loves them.  Mine never turn out as green as the one in this photo, but they are delicious! After successfully incorporating a healthy smoothie, it was less overwhelming to think of ways for us to eat healthier.  We don't eat the most perfectly balanced meals, but it's a far cry from the crap we used to put into our bodies!!

There are so many more inspiring ideas pinned on my boards, and even more waiting to be pinned!  As I said before, feel free to share your favorite pins or even a link to your boards in the comments section.  I love checking out other people's boards as much I enjoy adding to my own!