DIY Heart String

Another wedding DIY craft attempt...mod podge hearts on a string. 

Supplies:

Mod Podge

Yarn 

Heart-shaped Balloons 

Instructions:

Step 1: Blow up a heart baloon about 1/4 of the way. Tie it off.

Step 2: Cut the yarn into several pieces. 

Step 3: Dip the yarn into the mod podge and wrap around the balloon. Repeat this until most of the balloon is covered.

Step 4: Let dry.

Step 5: Pop balloon and pull out of the heart. 

(Optional) Step 6: Run string through the hearts to create a string of hearts. I also added tulle in the center of my hearts. 

Time: 15 minutes per heart

Cost: $10 (includes Mod Podge; you will only use a small amount)

In case you need some tunes to go with your crafting:

Phillip Phillips "Gone, Gone, Gone"

Saw it! Pinned it! Did it!-Lace & Pearl Bracelet

I saw this Lace & Pearl Bracelet on Pinterest and I absolutely loved it. I thought it would be a great gift for my bridesmaids-to-be.

Here is what I used:

• leather cording – 28″ is recommended
• lace (hem tape lace is easier to use)
• pearls – I used 16
• thread
• Needle (make sure the needle is thin enough to fit through the size 16 pearls)
• Larger bead to connect (Optional)

Step 1: Cut cord into 2-16 inch pieces. Depending on the size of your wrist, you may need less or more. 

Step 2: String thread through needle and first piece of cord. String through pearl and then second piece of cord.

Step 3: String thread back through the same piece of cord. Add another pearl. And string through the first piece of cord. Repeat until you have reached the desired length. 

Step 4: Knot thread and cut remnants. 

Step 5: Wrap lace between cords and pearls on both sides (after doing this, you should not see the cord anymore).

Step 6: Tie lace around cord at the end. 

Step 7: On one side make two knots. One knot should be at the end of the pearl and the other about 3/4 inch. further (this is for the knot on the opposite side of the bracelet, in order to connect around your wrist). 

Step 8: Enjoy your new piece of jewelry. 

Crescent Roll Goodness

The days have seemed to becoming more busy as the semester approaches. Because of this, and some work potlucks, I have been busy doing some quick and cheap cooking. Crescent rolls are perfect for both of these. I love crescent rolls and you can use them for any course. Here are a few of my favorite easy recipes:

Crescent Roll Taco Bake

Ingredients

1 lb. Ground Beef

2 packages of Crescent Rolls

Cheddar Cheese

Salsa

1 Package Taco Seasoning

Lettuce

Tomatoes

Instructions

Step 1: Brown ground beef. Add taco seasoning. 

Step 2: While beef is browning, prepare your crescent rolls. Spread crescent rolls in pie or square pan. See picture above. 

Step 3: Spread ground beef over the crescent rolls. Add desired amount of cheese on top.

Step 4: Wrap crescent rolls over the meat and cheese. TIP: don't overlap crescent rolls too much or they won't cook all the way through. 

Step 5: Cook at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes depending. The top should be golden brown. If you take it out too soon, you will find that some of the crescent rolls may not have cooked all the way through. 

Step 6: Add desired toppings to the piece of crescent roll taco bake. 

Step 7: Enjoy! :)

Buffalo Chicken and Chipolte Chicken Crescent Roll Bites

Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken:

1 lb. Chicken Breast

1 package Crescent Rolls

Cheddar Cheese

Hot Sauce

Blue Cheese Crumbles

2 tbsp.Butter (melted)

Chipolte Chicken:

1 lb. Chicken Breast

1 package Crescent Rolls

Chipolte Seasoning

Ranch Dressing

Cheddar Cheese

2 tbsp. Butter (melted)

Instructions:

Step 1: Boil chicken until cooked through. Then shred the chicken into small pieces.

Step 2: Mix Chicken and desired amount of other ingredients into a bowl. 

Step 3: Break Crescent Roll pre-made triangles in half. 

Step 4: Place crescent roll pieces on cookie sheet.

Step 5: Place some of the mixture in the center of each crescent roll piece.

Step 6: Wrap crescent roll over the mixture.

Step 7: Cook in over at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Step 8: Enjoy! :)

52 in 52: Week 14

Question 14 of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

For someone very interested in advocating for those who struggle with mental illness, I try to avoid using the word insane. As its true meaning is nothing to joke about. With that said, there have been many times in which I have not fully appreciated one's creative self. I think as I get older, I begin to appreciate creativity, uniquness, and all the things that make each of us different. However, growing up and often in school, I feel that we are not acknowledging the importance of creativity. I think this question really reminds me to avoid being judgemental and to look beyond what one may see on the surface. I believe that showing genuine interest in someone's story and passions will result in one being able to see what they may consider "insane" and instead see something beautiful. 

Week 14: Watch an inspirational video when I wake up and go to bed. Then share.

Lost Generation

John Wooden: The Difference Between Winning and Succeeding

And since it has been awhile since I have shared some of my favorite tunes, and in honor of a very fun night with some amazing friends:

"All Kinds of Kinds" by Miranda Lambert

Country Stampede 2013

Have a great week! Be ready for some NEW DIY WEDDING DECOR!

52 in 52: Week 12 and 13

Question 12 and 13 of 50 "Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Live with purpose, live for others, and be grateful.

 Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Depending on what type of law I would be breaking, yes. 

Hello Blogging World,

I apologize for the lack of posts recently, I was able to head back to good ol' Wisconsin for a family visit. I can't describe the feeling I get when I am amidst family and close friends. Here are some snapshots from the wonderful few days back at home.  

P.S.-The bottom right picture is where we will be getting married!! :)

So what were the challenges for the past few weeks? 

I would not nessessarily classify them as challenges, I would describe them more as experiences. 

Week 12: Have a meaningful conversation with a stranger

I definitely didn't intentionally set out to accomplish this goal this week. While at the nail salon, I had a wonderful conversation with the lovely lady doing my nails. For those of you who read my previous post about religion, know that I have recently been diversifying my faith experience by becoming more familiar with religions beside my own. This woman, Lori, was from Vietnam and is Buddhist. She is marrying an American man and is converting to Catholicism. This is not her choosing, but her love for her future husband expands far beyond a religious affiliation. I admired her love for him, her respect for a family that does not seem to be very supportive, and lastly her ability to see the potential and good in any person regardless of his/her religious affiliation. She explained the importance of one concept: Religion doesn't create a good person, but instead good people can make a religion. Now, I do believe that having a faith base can enlighten a person's life and provide perspective on the meaning and purpose within a person's life. However, I know plenty of generous, loving people who do not affiliate with any religion. I also know plenty of religious people who are not as loving, generious, or moral as you would expect a person of faith to be. 

We all have the choice to live for something larger than ourselves. Identifying with a group of people or preaching your beliefs does not make you a good person, your actions do. I felt inspired and enlightened after talking to Lori, a complete stranger. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I talked to someone I love about some of the things we talked about. When was the last time you talked to someone about your religion or fatih, relationships, family, or culture? 

Week 13: Run a 5K

Cross it off the bucket list! I had high hopes for training for this fun 5K called The Glow Run. Unfortunately, I only ran about 5 times in the few months leading up to the big day. My only goal was to run the whole thing, and I DID IT! It was at about the pace of a walker, but I still count it. I now understand why runners run; the feeling of accomplishment after finishing a race is pretty awesome. This run was pretty unique, we ran with about 9,000 other people decked out in glow sticks and neon. Black lights and blaring music accompanied our running. If you are a beginner running, looking for a fun/different race to do, this run comes highly recommended. 

My advice for those of you who aren't runners/dislike running, like myself, run in at least one race, it's worth it. And if you think positively and set a good pace, you can definitely run a 5K (with very little training)!  I liked it so much I'm thinking about signing up for another one! :)

Get ready for some DIY projects to be uploaded soon! :) 

52 in 52: Week 11

Question 11 of "50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind"

You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

I would say, "I'm sorry that you feel that way about so-and-so. S/he is actually a good friend of mine, and I have never noticed those things about her/him." I would then go on to say what I admire about this close friend. Addressing that their judgment is wrong is not my place, I can only offer what I know and have witnessed. 

I think this situation actually happens very often. We are all guilty of talking about those we do not care for, spreading gossip, or being judgmental. I believe that there is a direct corration between these things and a person's happiness. If you are so focused on what a person does wrong or how a person irritates you, you will waste precious time being bitter and unhappy. Choosing to ignore these temptations, writing about them, or only venting to a close friend/family member is what I strive to do. I also choose to acknowledge my anger/frustration and the effect it has on my current state, I then realize it is not worth it, and let it go!

Week 11 of 52 Weeks: No Complaining

This week's question and challenge go hand-in-hand. I found myself complaining and being negative more over the past few weeks, and thought that it was time for this challenge. Complaining is a habit, and it is therefore very hard to monitor. I have no doubt I complained numerous times throughout the week. We don't even notice when we do it, and we do it quite often. Something that has helped me with this challenge, is to have visible reminders of how blessed I am. I also remember to keep my perspective on what is truly important-people, my faith, and becoming a better person. 

Gifts that Give Back

Over the years, I have become more invested in making homemade gifts or purchasing gifts that give back. I thought I would share with you some of my favorite sites to find unique and meaningful gifts. 

Sevenly 

A new cause every week, this week is Liberty in North Korea

Count your Blessings T-Shirt $28

Give your Life Away Poster $24

The Giving Key Neckalace $39

The Mocha Club

Dedicating to connecting our communities here to communities in Africa

My Dad takes Care of Business Mug and Journal $15

I need Africa more than Africa needs Me Bag $9

I need Africa T-Shirt $15

Invisible Children

• We believe in the equal and inherent value of all human life
• We believe that a worldview bound by borders is outdated
• We believe that stopping the most extreme forms of injustice anywhere

is the responsibility of humanity everywhere

   Power of Love Shirt $35

Glass Ring $19.50

Invisible Children T-Shirt $25

Toms

"When you buy a pair of Tom's shoes you are also helping improve the health, education, and well-being of a child"

Badger Toms $48

Embroidered Floral $58

Crochet Lime Green $59

Lush Cosmetics

Although I enjoy all of the Lush Cosmetics, the Lush Charity Pot is the true gift that gives back. Charity Pot proceeds support organization that align with the views Lush hodls onenvironmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights issues

.

Charity Pot pricing ranges from $5.95-$22.95

Since 2007, we've donated more than$4,000,000to over 350 GRASSROOTSCHARITIES in 31 countries.

• Charity Partner 3
• Charity Partner 4
• Charity Partner 5

Care

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. 

I am Powerful T-Shirt $20.99

I am powerful Tote Bag $12.99

Teavana

For those that enjoy tea and teavana, you would be happy to know what 1% of all Teavana's proceeds go to CARE.

Etsy

If you want unique, handmade gifts, Etsy is great! :) I have never been disappointed with my purshaces through this site and with various vendors. I specifically like the uique wedding gifts ideas and hand lettered posters. 

Our mission is to reimagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.

• We are a mindful, transparent, and humane business.
• We plan and build for the long term.
• We value craftsmanship in all we make.
• We believe fun should be part of everything we do.
• We keep it real, always.

If you are anything like me, you want to find the perfet gift. I have found that looking at the perseon's Pinterest boards has been very helpful in discovering the little things that s/he may want, but won't ask for. 

Happy Shopping!