January Weather

Since it's the last day of January and we've only had MAYBE an inch of snow (again I stress "maybe"), I decided it was post worthy. We are normally BELOW freezing and have snow during this month. However, there have been only a few cold (not freezing-your-butt-off cold, but cold.) days. Yesterday and today's forcasts were in the high 60's. It's crazy, awesomeness I say! Normally when we get that weather in Spring I feel like wearing shorts!

{via}

I'm worried we will be dumped on big time in February and maybe March. You say I'm a nay sayer? I say I'm realistic. I hope I'm wrong! I have NO complaints.

What's this January like where you are? Hot? Cold? Just right (ok Miss Goldilocks...)?

High Five for Friday

It's that time again!

High Five for Friday. I'm linking up with Lauren at from my grey desk.

This is a time to simply recognize small and big things that happened through out the week.

ONE. Professional opportunity.

{via} 

The hubby is nearing the end of Paramedic school. This means, he has started to look at jobs everywhere. He applied for in Albuquerque. It's exciting and a little nerve racking to not really know where your life will be in 2.5 months. We could be here for a lot longer or we could be be moving. Weird. 

TWO. A new phone!!!!

{via}

I was with out phone from 1/21-ish until yesterday afternoon. It was a good break. However, it always seems to happen when people actually have to contact you. Anyway, thank you to the wonderful Verizon lady who saved me from dispair helped me! I was in and out of the store in 5 minutes with a new phone on the way and 3x as much data as well as some other features for literally 1 cent more than we were already paying. SA-weet!

THREE. Time.

{via}

It was fantastic to finally be able to meet up with Hannah and her husband! The hubby and I enjoy them so much. I look forward to a continually growing friendship with that lady! Time to spend with other friends doing things like crafts or thrifting is always a bonus!

FOUR. Skype.

{via}

Skyping is a wonderful tool to use especially if your loved ones are far, far away. I'm thankful for technology and that a friend and I can just pop in and SEE each other's faces!

FIVE. Chick-Fil-A.

{via}

Quick and delicious breakfast? Yes, please.

Be sure to check out the link party!

 

What are YOUR high fives for the week?

Valentine's Day Heart Garland

Yay! It's time for Valentine's Day. I LOVE all the lovey dovey decorations. I mean, come on... why NOT decorate your living room, bedroom or where ever for love? You don't have to have a romantic significant other to celebrate the day! This day isn't only about romantic love. Say what? "There is more than one kind of love?" I would say "Why, yes! Yes there is more than one type of love." (more on this later).

If your looking to make something on the cheap to impress your 

Ero, Phileo, or even Agape love, then this is a GREAT option!

Supplies:

Felt (single or multiple colors)

Scissors

Thread (I used 2 colors)

Sewing Machine*

Paper

Cat*

Pencil

Straight Pins*

Some spare time

Chocolate*

* denotes that this is NOT a requirement (use a hand needle and

thread if you don't have or know how to use a sewing machine).

{red, hot pink, and sparkly light pink felt}


To start, draw and cut out a template. You could even print a template off the computer! FYI do NOT use fabric scissors on paper (mine were just near by for the photo).

{paper, pencil, scissors}


This is where those straight pins could come in handy. This isn't required and it is an extra step, but it's one I don't mind. Pin your template to the fabric so it doesn't run away screaming wiggle away from you.
Cut all of your felt!


This is what your pile might look like.
Please, humor me and notice how big my pile
becomes in the next 3 photos.

{hearts}

{cat and hearts}

{chocolate, cat and hearts}


My pile started as hearts, became hearts and a cat and then became hearts, a cat and chocolate! Not a bad way to be crafting all. And all of those are necessary if you ask me. ;)


Now comes the sewing machine part. If you do NOT have a machine, thread a needle and string those adorable hearts together. If you DO have a machine, start her up!
I used to different colored threads between my bobbin and "top (is that the right terminology??) thread. Shout out to Carissa for her adorable ideas like two-toned thread! 


Start with one heart (any size). Be sure to create a knot/hold by back stitching at the first and last heart. Feed the heart through the machine. Guide it through however you see fit. I staggered my hearts. To create space between hearts, continue to push the pedal so your shapes become spaced out.

{heart waiting in line}

{sew sew cute}

{two toned}

{variety}

This is the finished result! So fun and sweet.

I would really love one for our bedroom. 

{sweetness}

An up close shot of the fun garland!

{up close}

If you're wondering what the framed pieces the garland is on are, they are mine and Mike's guest "book" from our wedding. We had people put their thumb print and sign their names. I love having this art work in my home that I can see on a daily basis.

I have a challenge for you. Make or do something for your love(s). There are 3 types of love. The obvious love to start with would be your Eros love. This is a "romantic" love.

Definition: Eros (or ; érōs), also called marital love, is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing.

But why not go further? Make or do some thing for the Philo love in your life!

Definition: Philo means friendship or affectionate love in modern Greek. It is a dispassionate virtuous love. 

I'm going to give you what will be an even harder challenge for some. Start with your agape love(s), chose some one (whether or not you're good friends doesn't matter) you know is in need of encouragement.

Definition: agape: selfless love of one person for another without sexual implications (especially love that is spiritual in nature).

Be encouraged and loved! Go and spread the love this Valentine's season. 

 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed 

you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that 

will last—and so that whatever you ask in 

my name the Father will give you. 

This is my command: Love each other.

John 15:16-17

Think about it and share the love!

Perspiration + wood = "no-no"

Christmas was on the creative and on the cheap this year. We love our families and really wanted to give them something special.  When you're on a budget it can be really frustrating to not be able to purchase the things you know your loved ones would enjoy. Luckily, I'm at least a little creative (but just a little ;) ...). So what did we make? Drum roll please.... coasters!!

Supplies

Paper of some kind (scrapbook, magazine, photo, etc)

Felt

Ruler
Scissors

Glue gun

Glue sticks

Tiles (square for me and only 16 cents at Home Depot!)

Mod Podge (I used matte finish)

Foam brush

A water proof, clear sealer (I used matte finish)

{supplies}

 <What to look for on the store shelves>

Now get started! You'll do a LOT of cutting, but it goes pretty quick.

{Cut all paper and felt to desired size.

I cut mine to the size of the tile.}

{Apply ModPodge. Don't be shy with it.}

{Set paper on top of ModPodged surface.

Modpodge the top.}

{Try to not get bubbles.The striations are fine.

It doesn't need to be totally smooth.}

Let the Mod Podge dry then spray with your sealer.

This is IMPORTANT!

Mod Podge is water-based. If you do not seal the coasters,

all your beautiful hard work will be down the toilet. 

That would make me come hug you and tell you it's going to be OK so sad!

{Apply felt squares to the bottom with hot glue.}

Feel free to use circles or only do the corners.

 I prefer the felt to cover the entire bottom of the coaster.

Now, give your self a high-five because you are DONE!

Or maybe the cat, kid or friend...

 it could be awkward to high-five yourself. ;)

Enjoy your lovely coasters or have fun giving them as a

birthday, house warming, Christmas or a just-because gift!

Now for the finished product...

{My brother's set. He may be 21

but this combination of designs

will always make me think of him.}

{"To infinity... and beyond!"}

{Add a picture to it!}

{Coaster in action. Don't mind

the half consumedchocolate

milk from the Shatto farm!}

These are your solution to persperation and wood!
It doesn't matter if the issue is in your house or not. ;)
Do you have someone in mind for this gift?

Why not show them some love and make it for them!

I know they would love it!

Happy crafting lovlies.

How to add a "button" to your blog!

For those of you who are equally new to the blogging world,

this video is a GREAT help!

Although it is a little dated (you can tell because the design of

blogger is different now than in this video), it helped me a ton!

Happy Blogging!

Click the video to get to the source

High Five for Friday

It's that time again dearies. A time to relfect on the week!

It's Friday and I'm happy about that.



I'm linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for this weekly posting, "High Five for Friday".
It's meant for us to take a step back and recognize the good things in our week!

Here we go!


 

1) High Five for YOUR Voice!!:

I'm thankful for all the people taking time to sign the petition against SOPA and PIPA.

We can not allow our government to censor the internet.

People, this is what's going on in countries like China.

2) High Five for Prioritizing Relationships:

On Tuesday night's my family goes to Breakfast Club.

Breakfast Club is just us choosing a place and going to dinner.

It's a blast.

However, this Tuesday the hubby and I decided we needed some

 "husband and wife" time.

I love that man.

God is good.

 

3) High Five for Books:

So excited to get this book from the liabrary for book club.

Guess what I'll be doing this weekend...

To Love Anew by Bonnie Leon

Image found through a google search

 

4) High Five for Squirt Bottles:

In case you don't know, Mitzy (my kitzy cat), is C.R.A.Z.Y.

Yay for squirt bottles that aid in our trying to chill her OUT.

'Nough said.

Image found through google search. Click image.

 

5) High Five for Getting-Enough-Sleep-During-the-Week!!!:

I'm on a roll, babies, and I really enjoy sleep.

What are your 5 highlights and what-have-you's for the week?

High Five for Friday

It's about time I joined this link party. I'm linking up with Lauren

From My Grey Desk.

High Five For Friday is meant to help us take a step back

and remember the things that have been

enjoyed or that you are thankful for.

Here we go:

1) I went on my first business trip this weekend.

We were in Orlando, FL for the AFRDS show.

We stayed at the Peabody

(the hotel known for the ducks).

{duck soap}

2) If I had to choose some one to do a

business trip with, it would be this girl

(Mary-Catherine, not Snow)!

{Myself, Snow, and MC at the airport}



3) I needed to be reminded that I have a

pretty awesome point and shoot camera.

I'm trying not to be too angsty for a new one...
The below picture is of Leona Valley, CA (home)
in 07 or 08.

{photo taken with my point and shoot... unedited}

4) I LOVE my Gap jeans!

Don't judge the price tag... 

they are worth Every. Penny.

{favorite jeans}

5) I got 10 hrs of sleep on Monday night.

I'm hoping for much more this weekend!

{google image search...

Please click the image

 for the link.}

Make sure to go check out Lauren and have a fanTABUlous weekend!

"...Jesus says 'done'".

This video may make some of you irritated.

But guess what?

I will not apologize for Jesus and the difference

between His love and mercy and religion.

"Religion says 'do', Jesus says 'done'".

If you have any questions about Jesus, let me know!

Be ready

I know I've been gone forever a while, but don't you worry! I'll be back soon. It's been crazy.

• Highlight - I went on my first business trip.
• Lowlight - I'm exhausted.

Me tonight...

See you soon friendsies!

12 in 2012

One of the blogs I love following is by Kate at The Small Things Blog. She has fantastic hair tutorials and is simply adorable! Back in October she made a post about things she's been meaning to get done called 12 by 2012. I was inspired to post 12 things by 2012 on FB and I've done ok with my list. I'll post it here and update it here.

Here you have it:

1) Get caught up on all laundry to then stay on top of it. Woo hoo! We've done pretty decent at this and we will continue to do so.

2) Organize the mudroom (which serves as a craft/tool/hobby/office-ish stuff area).

3) Make my first pie.

4) Get into a cleaning routine.   I finally have a foothold on keeping things somewhat orderly. I think this will forever be something to get better at. I don't even have kiddos yet!

5) Make photo books for people. I made one for my mom and dad but I want to make them for others as well.

6) Clean out my closet (don't tell Mike I said that)!  I'm super proud to say that I have cleaned out, organized and kept an orderly closet.

7) Start an exercise plan.

8) Jesus time EVERY day. Hannah from Shanks for the Memories is doing a great series that will help me (and you) get started and she will have 2 memory verses a month. Plus, she's flat out fantastic, so you should follow her! I have been doing the Good Morning Girls bible study and it's been great! Check it out here!!!

9) Read a classic book (I'll take suggestions).

10) Is it too late for me to send thank-you cards from my wedding (SO LATE)? I have most of them just sitting here. I'll take opinions on this one.

11) Do a Christmas card thingy.  Yay, I did it!
 
12) Make a felt wreath already!

Some of these might be resolutions but oh well!

So, those are mine.

I'll keep numbers 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 12 and I'll add the following to make 12.

• Loose 5lbs a month (60 lbs in a yr sounds way more doable in 5 lb, monthly increments)! I'm getting there!
• Have a decent amount of money in a savings account and emergency fund.
• Tame down the "stuff" not getting proper use in our apartment.
• Continuous involvement with our church through service. This is only half struck out because it will be a year long (life long, really) commitment. It's easy to use living far away as an excuse but no more!

What are your 12 for 2012?

Cheers to 2012!