2013

A lot of people make resolutions for each new year, and leave them in the cold a few weeks later.  I'm not going to do that.  I am going to make a conscious effort to do a few things, though.  I've made a goal list for this year and I'm excited to work at it.

2013 Goals

- read at least ten new-to-me books

- finally graduate

- grow sunflowers

- set up a space to grow sunflower seed sprouts (they're healthy and delicious!)

- make more homemade gifts

- continue trying to eat locally grown meat/veggies

- take more photographs
- keep record of good memories/things I'm thankful for

- save more money than I spend

- go four-wheeling and camping more often
- make a Photo an Hour post once per month

- make applesauce with Adam's grandma's recipe

- plan a party (maybe welcome home, maybe house warming)

Photograph from www.homesteadroots.blogspot.com

Photograph: Camping by Barriere Lake, British Columbia

Photograph from olivecocomag.com

www.catchmyparty.com

Outfit Post - Week 50

If nothing else, I've been more outfit-conscious this year.  I've tried a lot of clothing I would have scoffed at and walked away from.  This particular outfit seems simple, but it's a big step up from my old t-shirt and jeans habit.  

Sweater - H&M and Liz's Goodwill pile :)

Leopard infinity scarf - Express

Leggings - JCP

Slippers (which I will wear as boots until snow ruins them) - Candies c/o Kohls

Earrings - Princess Vera Wang c/o Kohls

Now, for something that isn't totally out of the ordinary...I got another tattoo.  

My grandpa has been gone twenty years now, so I decided now was as good a time as any to get it.  I went with a carpenter theme since (it was his profession and) he built the house he and my grandma retired to.  That's where all the Christmases and Easters and all of the family gatherings of my childhood were held.  

Creative Wrapping Solution

Maybe it's not that creative to use what I'd otherwise recycle, but I did find this to be helpful for wrapping awkwardly shaped gifts.  I started with a Greenies box.

And a few supplies: pretty wrapping paper, double-sided tape, transparent tape and scissors.

Adhere one side of the double-sided tape all the way around the top of the uncovered box.

Apply wrapping paper carefully; the double-sided tape should be the only thing connecting the paper to the box after this.

Then, using the transparent tape, wrap the box like you would a normal gift, from the open topside down.

And the finished product might look something like this:

Some Inspiration

On this particularly dreary Monday I needed some inspiration.  I found some (through my Blogger Dashboard) on Bubby & Bean.  If you need a little pick-me-up, check out these images and let your mind wander.  :)

Happy Monday (now)

Glittering Reindeer

I love Christmas, caribou and glitter.  Naturally when I found this tutorial on Kelsey's blog, I gathered the necessary supplies.


Here are some examples.
Hers:


Her follower Kristin's:


And here's mine:

  

It's actually silver, which you can tell from the one on the right.









To make your own, you'll need:

canvas (I only used an 8x10)

glitter

Elmer's glue

Q-tip (a toothpick would probably be helpful as well)

scissors

pencil


I followed Kelsey's tutorial with the exception of using hairspray to keep the glitter under control, like Kristin did.

First, I downloaded this template, resized it and printed.  After cutting it out (and removing the body), I taped it to the canvas and traced it with pencil.  Be sure to spread the glue evenly and be especially careful around the edges so the outline doesn't bleed.  It took me probably six tries to get every spot glittered well, but it's totally worth it.  He's a beaut!

Post #1 Things I'd like to craft with

Chalkboard paint

This one's a bit more work, cutting MDF to fit the frame, but totally worth it!

I'm going to make my own

Custom Colors How-To

Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.

2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.

3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.

4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.  http://www.marthastewart.com/271574/custom-color-chalkboard-paint

New Knitted Socks

My aunt is an amazing knitter.  She's in a few knitting groups and even a book club where they knit and discuss.  :)  I'm forever grateful to her for her handmade gifts, but I especially love this pair!