Lazy Days are best for relaxing and reading a good book.

 Oh the power of a book.  They have a way of taking you to another place as you sink deeper and deeper into them.  One of my goals for the new year was to try to read at least one book a month, surprisingly enough, I have stuck with it.  It's often hard for me to pull myself away from my crafts long enough to read a book.  I always felt that spending hours reading a book was mostly just a waste of time, but now I realize that it is actually very fulfilling.  There's nothing like finding a really good book, that not only pulls you in with its story, but also sheds a little light on your own personal demons in life.  I am currently reading Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers.  It is nothing at all what I thought it would be, and if you haven't read it yet, YOU REALLY SHOULD! :)  I'd tell you a little bit about it, but then that would ruin the surprise.  It does have to do with our faith in loving others and also our faith in God and how he loves us.  But it is way more than a religious read, it is a touching love story between a man and a woman that is so unexpected.  As I read, I feel as if I am sitting in a dark theater watching the most enchanting and heart wrenching love story unfold. 

I have realized that reading gets us away from reality for just a tiny bit.  I think this is something we all need in our life. It's almost like a miniature vacation. As we drift deeper and deeper into our book, the further away our own reality fades.  And even moments after we have closed the book for the day we still feel the story running through us.

 I am almost finished with my book and I know I will forever carry the words around with me.  I am excited to start a new book, yet sad that this one is almost over. 

So, What are you waiting for?? Go to the library, grab a book, grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and relax.  Feel the weight of the book in your hand and the smell of the pages as you open it.  Enjoy it!  

P.S.  Always, always, always, Read the Prologue!!! It gives you an insight to the story that is about to be told. 

It's been a while....Life and The Holidays

It's hard to believe that today marks the end of 2013! It's exciting to think that tomorrow starts a whole new set of 365 days full of new memories...Anything could really happen and it could be a year that could change our life forever..Instead of making resolutions like lose weight (which is something I always need to do) I decided to set up some goals for the next year. Just a few things I haven't done in a while..... 

Seems like a pretty easy list for an entire year...First one on my list should be pretty simple because I went to the library first thing after work yesterday and got a book....Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers......

This year has been full with new babies and little accomplishments for those of us who weren't busy having babies and my youngest sister and I took a much needed vacation to Florida to see our brother...I have two new nephews Nathan and Kaizan, and a new niece Kimber...My youngest sister graduated in May with her Bachelors in Business and then I graduated in July with my Bachelors in Business.  We went to different schools and honestly didn't realize we were going to school for the same thing..(so weird how stuff like this happens) lol... I opened up my Etsy shop and it somehow became a huge hit in which I am very grateful for.

Here's a few more pics to sum up the last month.. I hope that everyone has an awesome 2014 and may all our dreams come true!

My Christmas Tree with Gifts for family....a funny thing about my tree this year...Our lights kept burning out! It drove me completely insane! lol

We had brunch with my parents Christmas morning.  Mom made Belgium waffles! Yummy!!

My coffee cup cozies in my Etsy Shop

And last but definitely not least.....My biggest accomplishment for the year!! I tear up every time I see it!

HAPPY 2014 EVERYONE!!

Thoughtful Wednesday

I've caught the wanderlust bug, and its got me craving a road trip.  I've always dreamed of taking my favorite person with me {my mom} and just traveling the U.S. Get us both away from our crazy lives and just worry about ourselves and each  other. 

When I was younger I would go on mission trips, and I loved every minute of it.  Helping people you don't know and meeting new and interesting people that you will probably never see again. 

Since I've gotten older I haven't visited many places.  And I think i'm missing those little trips of kindness. 

On top of the wanderlust, i'm craving a new job.  But preferably, my dream job.  I grew up telling myself I would start my own business.  I never had any idea what it was going to be, I just knew that was my dream.  Now that I'm almost 30 I feel like it's time to figure it out.  I've got a passion for making things and sharing them with everyone around me.  So now that I've figured out my passion, I need to figure out how to get it started. 

Wednesday Crafts // Stamp it up!

I ordered a stamp kit from Hobby Lobby a few days ago.  Originally this stamp kit ran a good $23 at Michaels, but I knew I could find it cheaper.  So I checked out the never disappointing Hobby Lobby website and they were offering the kit for $11.99 with an added 40% off....I just couldn't pass that up.  So of course I ordered it with absolutely no DIY in mind, I just knew that I had to have this stamp kit.  To pass the waiting time, I thought of what I could do with this thing and after loads of research {an hour tops} I found a cute DIY and decided I wanted to share it.  It's not too extensive a few pictures here and there and I will also add the link for the stamp kit so you can make your own. 

Stamp Kit 

Hammer spoon down on a hard surface.  I did this on my front porch. Do this until it is as flat as you want it.  Next grab your metal stamps and careful stamp each letter of whatever word your heart desires. 

The finished product....I'm pretty happy with it although the perfectionist in me started to kick in a little, but I reminded myself that this was my first go at it and my future spoons will be a lot better.  I was just itching to try out the new kit!

Just remember to make this DIY all your own.  I think it would be cool to make a bunch of these with herbs on them and display them in a garden, not only would it look cute but it would help you remember where everything is.

*NOTE* It's easier if you have something holding the spoon as you hammer the letters in or else it will look a little wonky like mine does. 

*Side Note* click words stamp kit under materials needed picture to be redirected to hobby lobby

Crafty Wednesday: Pinning!

I am completely obsessed with Pinterest, so obsessed that I actually have three craft boards!!   The worst part of my obsession is that after I find something I really want to make I head on over to the craft store and buy the supplies to make it, now that may sound like a good thing....but it has turned into a small disaster at my craft desk.  I finally decided that it was time to make some of the crafts I have pinned. 

Mason Jar Lamp

I actually created the light fixture itself because I couldn't find one.  So I went to the hardware store and the nice guy there showed me how to do it.  I'm pretty proud of this DIY because it took some time and tons of patience.

Wrapped Antler Necklace

I'm sorta obsessed with this necklace because of the colors and it's just so darn cute.  And i'm sure many are wondering where in the world I got such tiny little antlers.  Check out the DIY and found out.

Disco Bracelet

I made this bracelet for a friends birthday and was worried she wouldn't like it, but she absolutely loved it.  I plan on making more of these, but the box chain is hard to come by around here and I can only find the right size at Hobby Lobby.  It is in fact two strands of box chain, although many have said it looks like a watch band.  Nope! This one took a good couple hours to make, so if you try this DIY out remember, lots of patience.

*NOTE* CLICK ON WORDS UNDER PICTURES TO BE DIRECTED TO FULL DIY. (:

I actually have a fun DIY  that I came up with all by myself that I know everyone will love.  I am hoping to post it up soon!  Have a wonderful day!

 

No wait Garlic Dill Pickles..Yes Please!!

So lately I have been really into making my own pickles.  After seeing a post on Free People about Simple Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles, I became completely obsessed.  I have made pickles before, but they didn't turn out very yummy and waiting 3 months just isn't my forte.  It probably didn't help that I also forgot about them and later found them in the back of my fridge when I moved.  This recipe on Free People's website is amazing, although with a few tweaks for my liking, the pickles came out perfect. And the best part is they are ready after 24 hours, but even better the longer they sit..and they last for up to 2 months! I was surprised at how much people liked them, because I am not a food maker, I always screw it up.  But when I came home last night and found cucumbers on my outdoor chair, I knew that they were not just saying they were delicious to not hurt my feelings.  They really did like them!  So if you have some extra veggies laying around and you don't know what to do with them, you should definitely check out the recipe.  I went beyond cucumbers and also added some jalapeno peppers and garlic cloves.  So use what ever you've got!!

*NOTE* clicking on the Simple Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles will redirect you to the full recipe...

Wrap it up: DIY wrapped soup can

Over some time now I have collected soup cans and glass jars because I feel bad if I just throw them away.  I feel like they need a new life and the crafter (hoarder) in me believes that I can turn them into something amazing.  So today I decided that I needed a new paintbrush holder for my craft desk and because my cats believe my desk is their playground, the glass jars my paintbrushes were in has shattered into a million pieces. So I decided to put the soup cans that I've been saving to good use and wrap them with some hemp cord that I've had laying around.

So what you need is:

• a soup can
• glue gun and glue sticks
• some hemp cord, yarn or rope
• some serious patience

 

The key to this is to put the hot glue dot in the same spot all the way around to keep it neat and clean.  So start out at the top or bottom of the can, I found it easier to start at the bottom.  Place a dot of hot glue and then place your hemp, yarn or rope on the glue dot, wrap a few times, place another dot of hot glue and then just repeat until you get to the end.  I actually wrapped my can twice because I wanted a little more thickness.  And voila you now have a brand new paintbrush holder. Or what ever you plan on using it for, the possibilities are endless.