Project Share #6

Hey Ya'll(: 

So today's Saturday Share is a bit different.

& I apologize for the less than stellar photos, used my Ipod.. which was not the greatest decision. 

Therefore, I promise all future updates of this project will be taken with my camera.

Project Share #6: I would like to start off by saying, I am not the best painter... nor close. ha.

But I have all the time in the world here, so I might as well practice, right?

I can't tell you the last time I picked up a paint brush.. I'm thinking middle school.

I was very lucky for a friend of mine that lives here loves painting, but ended up ordering too much and had a lot of extra supplies. He gave me a HUGE roll of canvas, acrylics, brushes, a paint pallet.. I told you I was LUCKY!

So the picture I chose is a close up of a Lion. I found it ages ago and instantly new I wanted to draw it. Never thought I would end up trying to paint it!

This is my sketch of the Lion. I think it turned out alright, for being a quick drawing. I wish I would've taken more time, but I was too eager to get messy!

At this point, he looks way too orange for my taste. 

So, I plan on picking up different colors when I go home to help get that golden brown that I'm looking for.

Obviously, this project will be put on hold during my trip home... but I do wish to make some changes when I return.

For example, I want to increase the size of the nose. I feel that it should be the largest part of the face because in reality it would be the closest to the person. In comparison with the size of the eye, I feel the proportions are incorrect.

The painting still has a long way to go, but I'm in no rush.

I'm just using this time to practice, and I love that if I mess up... I just add more paint! :D

I really hope you like him so far!

Him.. hmm, should we name him?!

If you think of a good one, comment below(:

mySMITHlife

Travel Thursday?: Dubai

Hey Ya'll! So, I promise I have an explanation for not posting this on Tuesday. I started a new project and got so involved I lost track of time! It is a work in progress, so come back on Saturday to find out what it is!(:

This week we are going to travel back in time! My birthday is July 1st and I received an amazing 22nd birthday present from Sean. A TRIP TO DUBAI! It was a huge surprise and turned out to be a wonderful vacation for the two of us. I will honestly spend a few Travel Tuesday posts to talk about Dubai, there is that many great things to say about it. I wish I would've started blogging before hand so I wasn't "recalling" information about the trip, so hopefully I do it justice. Either way, we plan on going back.. so anything I miss now, I'll fill you in with later! <3

Our trip started on Thursday July 4th, Independence Day(: We headed to the airport around 1 o'clock and boarded Flydubai at three. The airplane was very nice and the flight went very smooth. Sean and I ordered the movie package, turkey sandwiches, soda, and M&Ms. Our flight landed at 7:30 PM, and even though a bit tired, we were beyond eager to truly start our vacation! After we grabbed our luggage and passed through security, we looked for a shuttle to take us to our hotel. Didn't quite work out that way, so we joined the long line for a taxi. Out front of the airport was very neat and orderly. Everyone waited patiently for their transportation, in line, without cutting. Our friend had told us of this beforehand... he described it as New York with first come, first serve taxi service. Not sure I could have said it any better myself. 

It took 30 minutes to arrive to our destination. Sean enjoyed chatting with the driver about the location and his life in Dubai. I was too busy staring out the windows in awe to join the conversation, but rather listened and took notice when the gentlemen pointed out a particular spectacle he wished us to view. We had reservations at the Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate, Dubai. As we pulled up, I do believe Sean and I both gasped. It was a BEAUTIFUL Five-Star Hotel and Resort, farther away from Downtown Dubai than we would have cared for, but nonetheless beautiful. We honestly felt like King and Queen;) The feeling only grew as we ventured inside... talk about wow. Everything in Dubai so far was mesmerizing.. and we just started!

After checking in, falling in love with our room, and jumping on a huge fluffy bed.. Sean and I decided to head to the building across the street. Oh, did I mention it was a mall?! Sounds dangerous, huh, with my lack of shopping? Needless to say, I was EXCITED!

More to the Story Later on Travel Tuesday: Dubai Addition! <3

mySMITHlife

Good Morning World

I have great news! Ready for it?!

I head home October 6th:D

I will be home for a little over a month and cannot tell you how unbelievably excited I am!

My best friend, Rachel, is getting married and asked me to be her Matron of Honor. We have been planning like crazy over Facebook, Pinterest, Skype, and etc. The wedding is on November 3rd, so I am home in plenty enough time to help out with any last minute details. It truly is going to be a beautiful wedding!

I am also excited to have a break from Africa. I miss my family, my home, and honestly, my independence.  I think going home is gonna help me relax and brighten my mood. Things have been very hard for me lately... so this vacation is perfect timing. My family and friends are ready too. I know they miss us a great deal, and we just miss them that much more.

I can't wait to EAT! I pig out every time I go back to the states. Generally, it is not the healthiest of foods, but I am okay with that. ;) I plan on enjoying so many different restaurants! It probably sounds funny that I plan my trip to include food.. but I am growing overly tired of microwave chicken nuggets and pizza. The thought of having options back home is a little overwhelming. haha.

I think it is so crazy how much I miss the people and objects that were part of my daily life. So many things are taken for granted and you don't fully understand until you step outside the bubble. Something as important as food, water, shelter, and clothing. To know what it's like to have running water. Or as I said before, having a million food options. Being in Africa has made me beyond grateful for everything. I know now how many things I just expected were "normal," but to some they are a dream. This place has forever changed my life. For anyone who is too self-centered or ungrateful back home, come over here for a week.. I promise your outlook on life will greatly change too.

I will have to say, I am going to miss my pooch! Carolina will be staying here with a friend while we are away. I'm going to miss her, but I know she will be fine. annddd I'll be enjoying the company of my dog back home, Bocephus! My step-dad claimed him before I left, so it will be fun seeing him.

Unfortunately, Sean will not be leaving until 2 weeks after me.. therefore, I am flying alone. This is not the first time, nor the last, but I still get anxious about it. The long flights, the lay overs, the restlessness.. not exactly ready for that, but I know it will all be worth the final touch down in SC. 

I do plan on posting some projects when I get home. I'll be one happy camper to walk into Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and AC Moore! Hopefully, I will be able to contain myself(: but, I already have a few things planned that I have to make for the bachelorette party and wedding.. so next month will be wedding and traveling oriented, hope ya'll will continue to follow up on mySMITHlife! :D

Each month seems like my blog is progressing a little more and more. I know it has been slow, but I'm still using the new at blogging excuse to my advantage. I'm glad I've finally been able to upload some pictures and videos. I am currently working on a video to include voice over. We shall see if it will work?! If not here, then I will upload it once I get home (: ahh HOME!! I love saying that! Well, stay tuned for travel tuesday tomorrow... Will be going back in time to share some past adventures!(: I thank you for listening and wish everyone a wonderful week!

mySMITHlife <3

Project Share #5

 Project Share #5: Desk Organizer. This project was created using the Silhouette Cameo, 3D Desk Organizer Two design by Jamie Cripps, American Crafts Black Cardstock, and pattern paper from the K&Company Jubilee Designer Paper Pad.

If anyone wishes for me to make a how to video on any of the project shares, just comment and I will try my best to upload one for you!(:

Project Share #4

Project Share #4: Photo Bookplate Box. This project was created using the Silhouette Cameo, Lori Whitlock's 3D Bookplate Box file, Neenah Creative Collection Cardstock, and pattern paper from the  K&Company Best of K Paper Pad.

This is one of my favorite projects so far, just think the design is absolutely adorable! 

Travel Tuesday: Lake Ghoubet

Hello!(: So today, I want to start adding another portion to my blog called Travel Tuesday! This past weekend Sean and I went with a group of friends to Lake Ghoubet. We left early Sunday and came back later that night. The day was filled with swimming, fishing, and a little fun in the sun! Carolina (our pup) really enjoyed the ride and playing by the water. Here are some pictures from our day.. Enjoy!

So I have done some research on Lake Ghoubet: It is located in the Gulf of Goubbet el-Kharab and home to the two volcanic islands Ghoubet Al-Kharab, meaning Abyss Demons. 

The Goubbet Bay is at "the extreme tip of the Gulf of Tadjoura."

"These two islands are underwater volcanoes emerged." The smallest is named Wadi Koma and the largest (on right) is Guinni Koma.

My pretty girl enjoying the ride! <3

I really wanted to swim over there! Maybe one day?(:

It ended up getting a little cloudy on us, but we didn't mind. The weather was hot, hot, hot.. so shade and a cool breeze? We said yes!

These camels were just walking down the street, so of course I had to snap a picture!

On our way home, we had to cross over this little bridge while it was flooding.. more like mud than water, huh?

For more information and pictures check out Jeanne Estelle's website (translated version)

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=http://danakil.ethiopia.free.fr/goubet.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dhttp://danakil.ethiopia.free.fr/goubet.htm%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den

Project Share #2 and #3

Project Share #2: Happy Thanksgiving Card. The project was created using the Silhouette Cameo,

Neenah Creative Collection Cardstock, yellow vinyl, patterned paper, files from the Silhouette Online Store, Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink, S. Cameo Orange Pen, and a brown Prismacolor brush tip marker.

I layered the leaves and used pop up dots to raise the edges for the front of the card.

The Happy Thanksgiving didn't turn out as well I hoped, but I'm still learning. LOVE LOVE LOVE the fall leaves pattern paper used on the inside.. it was given to me, so unfortunately I don't know what collection it is from. Bummer :(

Anybody else recognize it?

The bottom leaf was welded to the outside square of the card using the Silhouette Design Software. I used the orange pen to trace an outline onto the base layer.

Project Share #3: Birdie Storage Box. The project was created using the Silhouette Cameo, Lori Whitlock's 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar Box design, Neenah Creative Collection Cardstock, and Pattern Paper from Pebbles Family Ties 6x6 Paper Pad.

It is the perfect size for the Silhouette Cameo pens! I also have small embellishments inside such as brads, paper clips, and etc.

mySMITHlife

Project Share #1

Project Share! I'm hoping that my videos and pictures will upload properly. The internet does not always like to work with me, so I'm crossing my fingers! Enjoy!

 Project Share #1: Wedding Card and Envelope. The project was created using the Silhouette Cameo, Wedding Congratulations cut file by Megan Hardy Designs, America Crafts Black Cardstock, pattern paper from DCWV Luxury Stack Collection, and chipboard stickers from me & my Big ideas.

I have more projects to come, so stay tuned! (:

mySMITHlife

TGIF

Happy Friday Everyone!

I worked on a few projects today and plan on starting the arts and crafts section of my blog! I'm attempting to do video shares, but it greatly depends on my internet connection. Either way, I will post pictures for ya'll to see! Stay tuned for cards, mini albums, and misc projects!

Have a wonderful weekend! (:

mySMITHlife

A Beginner's Note

A Note to My Readers

Hello again,

I just wanted to start off by saying thanks for visiting my page. It isn't much right now, but I'm hoping one day it will be filled with as many thoughts as I have swirling around my head all the time. Being in Africa has calmed my social life and made communication slightly harder. (Thank goodness for Facebook and Skype or I would probably go mad. lol) Therefore, I hope this blog will give me the chance to share my life with those who are so far away. Whether it be friends, family, or anyone who cares to listen. I plan to write about my marriage, our travels, craft projects, and occasionally show pictures of my pooch (: To be honest, I've read what seems like a million ways to write a blog, but I'm just going to keep this low-key and personal. I only wish that you will continue to be patient with me as I learn and follow along. Thanks again, Nikki

mySMITHlife

About Me

HIIII(:

The name is Nikki

22 years old

Stole Sean's Last Name

Anniversary:

April 14, 2012
Own a CRAZY dog

^named Carolina

Home is SC !

Art is my Passion.

Very Large Family of Love

Travel is my Life

Picturaholic ;)

 FIRST BLOG

^beyond excited & a tad bit nervous
<3Pink

Country Girl

Facebook Addict.

Living in Africa, yupp. AFRICA !

Music is Bliss

"Hot Southern Mess"

Pinterest & Instagram Lover

Admit to my Shoe Fetish

BLONDE

Warning in Advance:

Grammar will be crazy here

I appreciate Randomness.

mySMITHlife <3