Surprise!

I’m back! Now that it’s officially been one year since my last post I thought I would check in. So, what have I been doing? A LOT! It’s amazing once you stop blogging how much time you have. I remember when I first started, I read a lot of posts that talked about why people stop blogging within their first year and the number one reason was the time commitment. At the time, I thought, “what time commitment, it’s just writing.” Oh how my thoughts quickly changed.

Writing one post alone could take me an hour or two. And then there’s the time it takes to take pictures, edit them, and then upload. And then promote your blog/post on various social media sites, and participate in blog hops/parties. It got exhausting and I forgot why started blogging in the first place.

So I had to get back in tune and remind myself what it was about this blog that I really liked.

1) Writing is a creative outlet for me. A lot of times it’s easier for me to put “on paper” what I really want to say and feel.

2) I love taking pictures! I always have. When I was younger I worked at the Picture People for two years and I loved it. Even while dealing with all the screaming and snot filled kids and the dog that peed on me during a shoot, it was still really fun.

3) Having a blog is like having a journal. It helps me preserve and cherish memories. And for what I blog about, it’s also a practical tool that reminds me how I did something.

So how often will I be writing? I’m going to keep it simple and aim for about once a week. I’ll write about the same stuff I was writing about before (home decor, organization, crafts…) but I’m also excited to have a new topic to write about – my Etsy shop! I think I had mentioned in a couple posts last year that I had been thinking about opening one. Well, I finally did two months ago. I really really like it. Not that I’m selling like crazy. Although I have had more sales than I anticipated. But it has encouraged and motivated me to really start thinking outside the box in terms of my creativity, passion, and goals. So go check out the shop (Silberez Creations) if you haven’t already. I appreciate any and all feedback and constructive criticism.

I look forward to writing more and posting pictures in the coming weeks.

Crocheted dishcloths

******************9/1/14 update: My etsy shop is open! Check out Silberez Creations! ***********************

 

Have you checked out Rachel’s blog over at Useful Beautiful Home? I kind of really like it. She writes about organization and home decor and she works in healthcare, kind of like…me! Maybe that’s why I like her =) Recently she decided to  write for 31 days straight on the topic of creating a healthy home. I really admire her blog writing tenacity. I couldn’t do it, obviously, this is my first post in over a week.

But back to why I’m mentioning Rachel’s blog. One of her recent posts, The Dish on Dish Washing, really got me rethinking  our use of sponges. I’ve wanted to try out crocheted dishcloths for some time now. They seem to be more efficient, inexpensive, reusable, and more hygienic (if replaced often). This post was the final push I needed. After I read it, I went to work and started crocheting.

I made seven in total, one for each day, and different colors. I told Dan (the Silberez household master dishwasher) that a new dishcloth in a different color everyday would make dishwashing more exciting. He looked at me like I was crazy. Secretly though, I think he is excited. I’m sure he’ll be going to bed wondering what color will I get tomorrow?! 

The pattern I used for the dishcloth is really simple. I got my inspiration from this post over at Design Sponge.  Using a 3.5 mm hook, and 100% cotton yarn, chain 34, work a half double crochet in the third chain and continue all the way down to the end. Chain two and then finish the row with half double crochet, going through the back loops only. Working through the back loops only gives that ribbed look and adds nice texture, perfect for scrubbing dishes. I found 16 rows to be perfect. The finished dishcloth measures about a 7 inch square.

If you like what you see here, you can purchase them in my Etsy shop. Kidding. I don’t have one. But I am thinking about starting one if there’s any interest. Here are some links to past posts that contain handmade items by me, that I may consider putting on Etsy.

************9/1/14 UPDATE: My Etsy shop is now open! Check out Silberez Creations!******************

Napkins and towels

Table runner

Pillow cover

Let me know what you think!